Trailblazers removed from ACPBL - by Mike LeeDue to a controversial decision by ACPBL Commissioner, James Schultz, the Norfolk Tru Hope Trailblazers have been removed from the ACPBL and will not be allowed to defend their 2010-11 title. The decision was made Sunday, December 11th, after the Trailblazers were unable to attend their scheduled game against The Enterprise based out of Philadelphia, PA. The initial game time was scheduled for 7:00 pm on Saturday, December 10th. On Tuesday of that week, Commissioner Schultz changed the start of the game from 7:00 to 2:00 pm. Due to the change many of the Trailblazers players were unable to adjust their work schedules in order to attend the game. The Trailblazers were left with only three available players who were able to make the almost six-hour road trip.

The Trailblazers head coach, Emory Addison , called to inform Commissioner Schultz of the difficulties that the team was having in making the trip and wanted to inquire about the possibility of playing the game on another day. After finally reaching the commissioner via email, the Trailblazers were informed, after much back and forth, that missing the game would be unacceptable. The Trailblazers were unable to make the game as scheduled and the commissioner made the decision to remove them from the league. He announced his decision to both the team and the league through the ACPBL website. The Trailblazers were replaced by the Center Court All Stars, a team owned by Calvin Brown and based out of the Washington DC area. The Enterprise, the team that the Trailblazers were scheduled to play, disagreed with the decision and ultimately decided the leave the ACPBL as well.

Despite the setback, head coach Emory Addison is optimistic about the teams future moving forward. The players were offered the possibility of joining other teams and each player decline that option and decided to stay with the team. The organization has been able to find replacement teams to play in order to fulfill the home games that they had sold season tickets for. The schedule will be comprised of some local teams, some American Basketball Association (ABA) teams, and some Premier Basketball League (PBL) teams. Although, the organization is open to exploring joining another league in the future, their ultimate goal remains to become an NBA Developmental League franchise. The organization has maintained positive relationship and has held exploratory conversations with Dan Reed, president of the D-League, concerning that possibility. The organization is optimistic that they can obtain the necessary sponsorships needed to ultimately obtain that goal in the near future.

Vladimir Vuksanovic back at Radnicki Kragujevac - by Eurobasket NewsRadnicki Kragujevac announced signing of Vladimir Vuksanovic (206-F/C-78) for rest of the season. The 33-year-old Vuksanovic played for Radnicki in 2009/10. He averaged 12.9 points and 2.3 rebounds in 14 Adtiatic league games at that time. His numbers in Serbian league were slightly lower 11 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 15 games. In 2008/09, Vuksanovic played for the Bosnian squad Igokea Partizan Aleksandrovac. Before that, he was a member of Kolossos Rhodes, Kalev Tallinn and Universitet Surgut. Vuksanovic also has experience from PAOK Thessaloniki, Khimky Moscow and Azovash. With Azovmash he won the Ukrainian league title in 2004. With the arrival of Vladimir Vuksanovic, Radnicki Kragujevac parted ways with Uros Lucic. The player already signed at Krka Novo Mesto.

More transactions - by Facundo IatzkyMuch teams use this break for holidays, to make some changes in their rosters. Penarol mar del plata agreed terms with Matias Ibarra (183-G-81), recently released from Olimpico la banda. He will replace Mariano Castets, who finished his temporally contract. Monte Hermoso basket (TNA) parted away with Bruno Ingratta and signed Lucas Barlasina (194-G-82), released by Boca Juniors. Quimsa announced they signed Mateo Gaynor (198-G-90) as temporary replacement of Sebastian Vega. Mateo had been released from BB Estudiantes that signed Enzo Ruiz. Alvear Villa Angela (TNA) signed Juan Manuel Ruiz (190-F-77), who left Ciudad bragado, and Diego Alba (186-G-81).

Atenas bring in Jose Lloreda - by Eurobasket NewsAtenas bolstered their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Jose Lloreda (201-F/C-80, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: LSU). The centre started the season in Ciclista Olimpico de La Banda. The Panamanian player averaged 13.8 points, 8.8 rebounds per game in LigaA. He was released by the team in December. Last season Jose Lloreda started with Halcones Rojos in Mexico. His stats read 19.8 points, 8.3 boards and 2.2 assists per game in Liga Americas. The centre also posted 15.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in LNBP. Jose Lloreda played for Panama at 2011 Fiba Americas. He notched 15.9 points, 6.1 boards and 1.1 assists in Mar del Plata.

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AUSTRALIA

NBL Round 12: Perth Wildcats defeat leader New Zealand Breakers - by Eurobasket NewsThe most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked New Zealand Breakers (10-4) on the court of second ranked Perth Wildcats on Friday night. Visitors were rolled over by Perth Wildcats 86-62. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of New Zealand Breakers. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. The game was mostly controlled by Perth Wildcats. New Zealand Breakers managed to win third quarter 19-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Perth Wildcats forced 20 New Zealand Breakers turnovers. 24 personal fouls committed by New Zealand Breakers helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for international forward Jesse Wagstaff (203-F-86, college: Metro St.) who led his team to a victory with 23 points. American guard Kevin Lisch (188-86, college: St.Louis, agency: Warren Sports International) contributed with 18 points and 6 rebounds (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) for the winners. American guard Cedric Jackson (191-86, college: Cleveland St.) replied with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for New Zealand Breakers. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending champion maintains second position with 9-5 record behind leader Breakers. New Zealand Breakers at the other side still keep top place with four games lost. Perth Wildcats are looking forward to face Townsville Crocodiles (#5) in Wulguru in the next round. New Zealand Breakers will play on the road against Cairns Taipans (#6) and are hoping to win this game. Important game to mention about took place in Melbourne. Third ranked Melbourne Tigers (8-6) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 4th ranked Cairns Taipans (6-7) 67-65 on Friday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of international power forward Cameron Tragardh (209-83, college: ORU) who helped to win the game recording 14 points and 5 rebounds and Daniel Dillon who added 9 points and 5 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was the former international swingman Brad Hill (198-86) with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds. Melbourne Tigers maintains third position with 8-6 record having just two points less than leader Breakers. Cairns Taipans at the other side dropped to the sixth place with seven games lost. Melbourne Tigers will play against Gold Coast Blaze (#4) in Broadbeach in the next round. Cairns Taipans will play at home against the league's leader New Zealand Breakers in Auckland and hope to get back on the winning track.

In the last two games of round 12 Crocodiles beat Kings on the road 100-93. Blaze destroyed 36ers on its own court 96-77. The most impressive performance of 12th round was 27 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists by Adam Gibson of Blaze.

There was a small surprise when seventh ranked Townsville Crocodiles (6-5) beat 5th ranked Kings (6-8) in Sydney 100-93. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Kings won third quarter 26-20. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Townsville Crocodiles won last quarter 29-24. Strangely Kings outrebounded Townsville Crocodiles 42-29 including 29 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of American point guard Eddie Gill (184-78, college: Weber St., agency: Priority Sports) who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 9 assists and the former international forward Jacob Holmes (201-83) who added 21 points and 11 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was the former international center Julian Khazzouh (209-86) with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks and American power forward Jerai Grant (203-89, college: Clemson) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds. Four Townsville Crocodiles and five Kings players scored in double figures. Townsville Crocodiles moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Blaze. Kings at the other side dropped to the seventh position with eight games lost. Townsville Crocodiles will play against league's second-placed Perth Wildcats at home in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Kings will play against Wollongong Hawks (#9) in Gwynneville and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers:Crocodiles: E.Gill 26+3reb+9ast, P.Crawford 22+2ast, J.Holmes 21+11reb+2ast, E.Mims 15+5reb, C.Cedar 7+1reb+1ast, L.Schenscher 6+4reb+3astKings: J.Grant 18+12reb+3ast, A.Bose 18+6reb+5ast, J.Khazzouh 17+13reb+4ast, A.Bruce 10+1reb+5ast, K.Ratzsch 10+7reb, B.Madgen 8+3reb+4ast

Important game to mention about took place in Melbourne. Third ranked Melbourne Tigers (8-6) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 4th ranked Cairns Taipans (6-7) 67-65 on Friday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of international power forward Cameron Tragardh (209-83, college: ORU) who helped to win the game recording 14 points and 5 rebounds and the former international swingman Daniel Dillon (194-86, college: Arizona) who added 9 points and 5 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was the former international swingman Brad Hill (198-86) with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds and American guard Andrew Warren (195-87, college: Bradley, agency: Interperformances) scored 20 points. Melbourne Tigers maintains third position with 8-6 record having just two points less than leader Breakers. Cairns Taipans at the other side dropped to the sixth place with seven games lost. Melbourne Tigers will play against Gold Coast Blaze (#4) in Broadbeach in the next round. Cairns Taipans will play at home against the league's leader New Zealand Breakers in Auckland and hope to get back on the winning track. Top scorers:Tigers: C.Tragardh 14+5reb, A.Ubaka 11+1reb+4ast, R.Dorsey 9+5reb+1ast, D.Dillon 9+2reb+5ast, L.Walker 7+4reb, L.Rush 5+5reb+1astTaipans: A.Warren 20+1reb+3ast, B.Hill 14+12reb+3ast, I.Crosswhite 11+10reb+3ast, K.Williams 6+3reb+5ast, A.Loughton 6+7reb+2ast, D.Brebner 5+1reb

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked New Zealand Breakers (10-4) on the court of second ranked Perth Wildcats on Friday night. Visitors were rolled over by Perth Wildcats 86-62. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of New Zealand Breakers. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. The game was mostly controlled by Perth Wildcats. New Zealand Breakers managed to win third quarter 19-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Perth Wildcats forced 20 New Zealand Breakers turnovers. 24 personal fouls committed by New Zealand Breakers helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for international forward Jesse Wagstaff (203-86, college: Metro St.) who led his team to a victory with 23 points. American guard Kevin Lisch (188-86, college: St.Louis, agency: Warren Sports International) contributed with 18 points and 6 rebounds (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) for the winners. American guard Cedric Jackson (191-86, college: Cleveland St.) replied with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and New Zealand swingman Thomas Abercrombie (198-87, college: Washington St., agency: Priority Sports) added 14 points in the effort for New Zealand Breakers. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending champion maintains second position with 9-5 record behind leader Breakers. New Zealand Breakers at the other side still keep top place with four games lost. Perth Wildcats are looking forward to face Townsville Crocodiles (#5) in Wulguru in the next round. New Zealand Breakers will play on the road against Cairns Taipans (#6) and are hoping to win this game. Top scorers:Wildcats: J.Wagstaff 23+4reb, K.Lisch 18+6reb, D.Martin 11+5reb+3ast, B.Robbins 8+3reb+4ast, B.Purser 6, C.Tovey 5+4reb+1astBreakers: C.Jackson 15+8reb+4ast, T.Abercrombie 14+4reb+1ast, M.Vukona 13+3reb+2ast, D.Corletto 7+5reb+2ast, G.Wilkinson 6+2reb, A.Pledger 3+3reb+1ast

Rather expected game when 8th ranked Adelaide 36ers (4-9) were smashed by sixth ranked Gold Coast Blaze (6-5) in Broadbeach 96-77. It looked good early as Adelaide 36ers took an 3-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Gold Coast Blaze had a 28-14 second period charge getting the lead and Adelaide 36ers were not able to take back game control losing it eventually 77-96. They outrebounded Adelaide 36ers 45-26 including a 35-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of international guard Adam Gibson (188-86) who helped to win the game recording 27 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international power forward Anthony Petrie (203-83) who added 10 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was center Daniel Johnson (212-88, college: Pepperdine) with 24 points and American forward Diamon Simpson (201-87, college: St.Mary's, CA) scored 18 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Gold Coast Blaze moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Crocodiles. Adelaide 36ers at the other side keep the eighth position with nine games lost. Gold Coast Blaze will play against higher ranked Melbourne Tigers (#3) at home in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Adelaide 36ers will play against Kings (#7) in Sydney and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers:Blaze: A.Gibson 27+8reb+4ast, J.Cadee 13+1reb+4ast, S.Hoare 10+8reb+4ast, A.Petrie 10+9reb+3ast, W.Hudson 10+2reb, C.Goulding 9+6reb36ers: D.Johnson 24+4reb, D.Simpson 18+5reb, C.Warren 12+3reb+3ast, D.Ng 10+1reb, S.Weigh 7+2reb+1ast, E.Bartlett 4+3reb+1ast

gschID: 138876

Gibson's 27 points and 8 rebounds give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News25-year old guard Adam Gibson (188-G-86) put on an amazing game in the last round for Blaze and receives a Australiabasket.com Player of the Week award for round 12.He had the game-high 27 points adding eight rebounds and four assists for Blaze in his team's victory, helping them to crush 36ers (#8, 4-9) with 19-point margin 96-77. Blaze is placed at 4th position in Australian league. Blaze is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 6-5 record. In the team's last game Gibson had a remarkable four three-pointers out of 9 attempts. He has many years of experience at Blaze, through which he has constantly improved. Gibson has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in assists (6th best: 4.7apg) and averages solid 50.9% FGP and 43.9% from behind 3-point line.

Second best performed player last round was Julian Khazzouh (209-C-86) of Kings. He is former international center in his 2nd season at Kings. In the last game Khazzouh recorded impressive double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds. Bad luck as Kings lost that game 93-100 to slightly higher-ranked Crocodiles (#5, 6-5). This loss caused Kings to drop to 7th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 6-8 record. Khazzouh is well-known at Kings and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 18.5ppg (#3). He also registered 11.1 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to another Kings' star - forward Jerai Grant (203-F/C-89). Grant scored 18 points and grabbed twelve rebounds (!!!). Despite Grant's great performance Kings lost 93-100 to slightly higher-ranked Crocodiles (#5, 6-5). But his team cannot count on just these two top stars as they also need help of the other teammates. The chances of Kings ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 8 games, recording just six victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Grant could help Kings to bring them higher in the standings. Grant has a great season in Australia. After 14 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 8.2rpg (5th best). He also has 1.5bpg and FGP: 55.0%.

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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AUSTRIA

Panthers and Tim Burnette part ways - again! - by Stefan PragerFurstenfeld Panthers announced that they have decided to part ways with guard Timothy Burnette (188-G-82, college: Tarleton St.) with immediate effect. It must be a dejavu for Burnette who was confronted with the same situation last season when he had to leave the Panthers after the first stage of the Austrian championship. Burnette had a pretty good start into the season before getting injured in the second game of the season. After recovering from an ankle injury he came back but he was struggling on the court. In 8 appearances for the Panthers this season Burnette averaged 7.6 ppg along with 2.0 rpg while shooting 36.4% from the field. Panthers announced that the club is not searching for a replacement for now.

Ognjen Kuzmic and Dejan Todorovic both had big games in a winning effort against Caceres in the Spanish LEB Gold league - by Chris MathieuOgnjen Kuzmic and Dejan Todorovic both had big games in a winning effort against Caceres in the Spanish LEB Gold league. Ognjen had 12 points 7 rebounds 4 blocks and 0 turnovers. Dejan had 10 points in only 13 minutes and he shot a high percentage from the field. The only mark against Dejan was his four turnovers in his teams 81-74 victory.

Ognjen has shown a high degree of skill along with his length and athleticism for a 7'1' center. Dejan continues to show a high degree of skill, even if he is mistake prone at this time. This is due more to a lack of experience than his potential upside. It will be interesting to see how they develop as the season goes along as this was only Dejans fifth professional game in his career.

Both players would be key additions to the Bosnian National Team and Junior National Team.

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BRAZIL

Sorocaba waived guard James Parker - by Paulo FreireSorocaba's team is back to trainings. The team trained this week after Christmas brake and already thinks in early 2012 matches.The news of the team is the released of american guard James Parker (188-G-81, college: Robert Morris). The player returned to the United States on last Dec 17, shortly after the game against the Limeira. The player has not adapted to the profile of the team and according to Rinaldo Rodrigues, President and coach of the team, the LSB is already looking for a new player for the position.

NBL Round 12: Rilski Sportist is defeated by Spartak Pleven - by Eurobasket NewsThe most important game in the last round took place in Pleven between third ranked Rilski Sportist (7-5) and eighth ranked Spartak Pleven (2-10) on Thursday night. Rilski Sportist was defeated by Spartak Pleven in a tough game on the road 83-91. Rilski Sportist trailed by 15 points after 3 quarters before a 25-18 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 83-91 at the end of the game. Spartak Pleven shot the lights out from three sinking 17 long-distance shots on high 53.1 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Simeon Tsenov (196-82) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 16 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international forward Ilia Stankov (198-76) who added 23 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was Serbian guard Branko Mirkovic (190-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Spartak Pleven moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Chernomorets. Rilski Sportist at the other side keeps the third position with five games lost. Spartak Pleven is looking forward to face higher ranked Euroins Cherno More (#4) in Varna in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Rilski Sportist will play at home against the league's second-placed Levski Sofia where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either. The game between Top Four teams took place in Sofia. Top-ranked host Lukoil Academik (11-0) defeated 4th ranked Tundja Yambol (6-6) 94-77. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Tundja Yambol. The winners were led by American forward Lamont Mack (201-87, college: Charlotte) who scored that evening 18 points and 7 rebounds and Andre Owens supported him with 17 points and 4 assists. Lukoil Academik's coach Jovica Arsic allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even a double-double of 24 points and 13 rebounds by American center John Ofoegbu (206-84, college: Idaho St.) did not help to save the game for Tundja Yambol. Undefeated Lukoil Academik have an impressive 11-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 11-0 record. Tundja Yambol at the other side dropped to the fifth place with six games lost. Lukoil Academik will play against Chernomorets (#7) in Burgas in the next round where they are favorite. Tundja Yambol will play at home against Balkan in Botevgrad and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game in Botevgrad was also quite interesting. Fifth ranked Euroins Cherno More (6-5) played at the court of 6th ranked Balkan (3-9). Euroins Cherno More managed to secure a 7-point victory 78-71 on Thursday. The best player for the winners was Aleksandr Yanev who had a double-double by scoring 14 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Dimitar Marintchechki who recorded 17 points and 7 rebounds. Balkan's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Euroins Cherno More moved-up to fourth place. Balkan lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with nine games lost. Euroins Cherno More will meet at home bottom-ranked Spartak Pleven (#8) in the next round. Balkan will play against Tundja Yambol and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Second ranked Levski Sofia (10-2) crushed at home 7th ranked Chernomorets (2-10) by 28 points 91-63, which is the biggest margin this round. It was a good game for Hrisimir Dimitrov who led his team to a victory with 29 points and 8 rebounds. Levski Sofia have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 10-2 record behind leader Lukoil Academik. Chernomorets at the other side keeps the seventh place with ten games lost. Levski Sofia's next round opponent will be Rilski Sportist (#3) in Samokov, which may be the game of the day. Chernomorets will play on the road against the league's leader Lukoil Academik (#1) in Sofia.

Second ranked Levski Sofia (10-2) crushed at home 7th ranked Chernomorets (2-10) by 28 points 91-63, which is the biggest margin this round. The game without a history. Levski Sofia led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Chernomorets' players. It was a good game for the former international swingman Hrisimir Dimitrov (197-74) who led his team to a victory with 29 points and 8 rebounds. American swingman Aaron Harper (199-81, college: Mississippi, agency: Strategic Sports) contributed with 24 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 steals for the winners. Four Levski Sofia players scored in double figures. FYR Macedonian center Kiril Pavlovski (210-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) replied with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 16 rebounds and guard Dimitar Roshmanov (185-85) added 12 points in the effort for Chernomorets. Levski Sofia have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 10-2 record behind leader Lukoil Academik. Chernomorets at the other side keeps the seventh place with ten games lost. Levski Sofia's next round opponent will be Rilski Sportist (#3) in Samokov, which may be the game of the day. Chernomorets will play on the road against the league's leader Lukoil Academik (#1) in Sofia. Top scorers:Levski Sofia: H.Dimitrov 29+8reb+2ast, A.Harper 24+6reb+5ast, M.Hall 13+4reb+3ast, S.Georgiev 11+17reb+5ast, A.Simeonov 6+2reb+2ast, J.Bozov 4+1reb+5astChernomorets: K.Pavlovski 18+16reb, T.Zahariev 13+4reb, D.Roshmanov 12+3reb+3ast, A.Penev 9+4reb+2ast, R.Aleksov 4+3reb+4ast, H.Gospodinov 3+5reb

The game between Top Four teams took place in Sofia. Top-ranked host Lukoil Academik (11-0) defeated 4th ranked Tundja Yambol (6-6) 94-77. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Tundja Yambol. The game without a history. Lukoil Academik led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They shot the lights out from three nailing 13 long-distance shots on high 52.0 percentage. Lukoil Academik players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists. Tundja Yambol was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. The winners were led by American forward Lamont Mack (201-87, college: Charlotte) who scored that evening 18 points and 7 rebounds and the former international guard Andre Owens (193-80, college: Houston) supported him with 17 points and 4 assists. Lukoil Academik's coach Jovica Arsic allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even a double-double of 24 points and 13 rebounds by American center John Ofoegbu (206-84, college: Idaho St.) did not help to save the game for Tundja Yambol. Guard Stanislav Govedarov (185-80) added 19 points and 7 assists. Five Lukoil Academik and four Tundja Yambol players scored in double figures. Lukoil Academik have an impressive 11-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 11-0 record. Tundja Yambol at the other side dropped to the fifth place with six games lost. Lukoil Academik will play against Chernomorets (#7) in Burgas in the next round where they are favorite. Tundja Yambol will play at home against Balkan in Botevgrad and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers:Lukoil Academik: B.Sundov 18+2reb, L.Mack 18+7reb, A.Owens 17+1reb+4ast, T.Stoykov 11+3reb+5ast, B.Avramov 11+2reb+6ast, D.Stojanovski 10+5reb+1astTundja Yambol: J.Ofoegbu 24+13reb, S.Govedarov 19+3reb+7ast, M.Durchev 14, Z.Gocevski 10+3reb, S.Petkov 4+6reb, J.Radionov 2+5reb+6ast

The most important game in the last round took place in Pleven between third ranked Rilski Sportist (7-5) and eighth ranked Spartak Pleven (2-10) on Thursday night. Rilski Sportist was defeated by Spartak Pleven in a tough game on the road 83-91. Rilski Sportist trailed by 15 points after 3 quarters before a 25-18 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 83-91 at the end of the game. Spartak Pleven shot the lights out from three sinking 17 long-distance shots on high 53.1 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Simeon Tsenov (196-82) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 16 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international forward Ilia Stankov (198-76) who added 23 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was Serbian guard Branko Mirkovic (190-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and swingman Hristo Zahariev (200-90) scored 16 points and 6 rebounds. Five Spartak Pleven and four Rilski Sportist players scored in double figures. Spartak Pleven moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Chernomorets. Rilski Sportist at the other side keeps the third position with five games lost. Spartak Pleven is looking forward to face higher ranked Euroins Cherno More (#4) in Varna in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Rilski Sportist will play at home against the league's second-placed Levski Sofia where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either. Top scorers:Spartak Pleven: I.Stankov 23+6reb+2ast, V.Georgiev 18+2reb, S.Tsenov 16+14reb+5ast, A.Dyakovski 14+3ast, R.Sofroniev 10+2reb+1ast, T.Ostrev 6+3astRilski Sportist: F.Vukosavljevic 18+5reb+1ast, B.Mirkovic 17+8reb+6ast, H.Zahariev 16+6reb+3ast, S.Mijajlovic 12+4reb+1ast, M.Marinov 8+2reb+1ast, A.Bilobrk 8+4reb+1ast

The game in Botevgrad was also quite interesting. Fifth ranked Euroins Cherno More (6-5) played at the court of 6th ranked Balkan (3-9). Euroins Cherno More managed to secure a 7-point victory 78-71 on Thursday. The best player for the winners was power forward Aleksandr Yanev (203-90) who had a double-double by scoring 14 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. International guard Tihomir Zhelev (192-90) chipped in 14 points and 5 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was power forward Dimitar Marintchechki (201-90) who recorded 17 points and 7 rebounds and guard Dimitar Filipov (185-89) added 16 points, 7 assists and 5 steals respectively. Balkan's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Euroins Cherno More moved-up to fourth place. Balkan lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with nine games lost. Euroins Cherno More will meet at home bottom-ranked Spartak Pleven (#8) in the next round. Balkan will play against Tundja Yambol and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers:Cherno More: M.Borisov 18+2reb+2ast, A.Yanev 14+10reb+4ast, T.Zhelev 14+3reb+5ast, G.Davidov 12+3reb, S.Iliev 9+5reb+3ast, N.Kolev 9+7rebBalkan: D.Marintchechki 17+7reb+3ast, D.Filipov 16+1reb+7ast, S.Marinov 9+2ast, D.Morton 8+5reb+4ast, I.Martin 7+2reb+1ast, L.Lilov 6+3reb+1ast

Drew Stratton joins Mill Rats - by Eurobasket NewsFormer Kennebecasis Valley High School star and Dalhousie Tiger, Drew Stratton (6'7''-F-85), has joined the Saint John Mill Rats and will be in uniform tomorrow night against the #1 ranked London Lightning at Harbour Station.

Stratton, a native of Quispamsis, averaged 10.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game his senior season at Dalhousie in 2008. He recently returned to Canada from a professional stint in Australia with the Northside Wizards of the Australian Basketball Association.

'Drew is a mobile forward who brings intangibles, energy, and depth to our frontline,' stated Mill Rats President and General Manager Ian McCarthy. 'I reached out to him when I saw online that he was returning from Australia - he was on our radar.'

Blalock Continues NBA Quest

Mill Rats point guard Will Blalock was waived by the Charlotte Bobcats after the preseason, but has decided to continue his dream playing in the NBA, by joining the NBA Development league in the hopes of earning a 10-day contract with an NBA club.

The Mill Rats face the #1 ranked London Lightning tomorrow night at 7pm at Harbour Station. The Lightning are led by their Head Coach and former NBA All Star Michael Ray Richardson.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Storm right back in playoff hunt - by Eurobasket NewsThe Summerside Storm is right back in the hunt for a playoff spot in the National Basketball League of Canada.

The visiting Storm defeated the Quebec Kebs 100-92 on Wednesday afternoon for their second win in a row after losing seven straight.

Both of the Storms recent wins have come on the road, including a 101-100 win in Oshawa on Dec. 22.

It was a really big win for us, said Storm head coach Joe Salerno in a phone interview. Quebec is a tough team, they are one of the top two or three teams in the league.

For us to come in here on their home floor and get a win, its big for us confidence-wise and our morale.

We almost had seven guys in double figures, said Salerno. It was a total team effort.

Hansbro was a key contributor in the win, noted Salerno.

They call him the X Factor, but I thought Xavier Hansbro really was the X Factor today (Wednesday), added Salerno. He didnt shoot the ball well (4-for-14 in field-goal attempts), but he came up with some huge rebounds late.

He had 12 boards (including seven defensive rebounds), and was a really huge part of this win.

The Storm will host the Saint Mill Rats (8-8) in an important New Years Eve game on Saturday at EastLink Arena. Game time is 7 p.m.

The Storm is chasing the Mill Rats for the fourth and final playoff spot. If the Mill Rats lose to first-place London (12-4) on Thursday and the Storm is victorious Saturday, the teams will be tied.

In Oshawa, we all said we dug ourselves a hole and our playoff push has to start right now, said Salerno.

Courtesy of www.journalpioneer.com

Oshawa Power bring in Robert Brickey - by Eurobasket NewsRobert Brickey is being thrown right into the fire, so to speak.

Brickey, who was introduced Wednesday as the new interim head coach of the NBL Canada's Oshawa Power, will be on the sidelines Thursday as the team tries to stem a losing streak that has reached six games.

Brickey, a former player and captain with the renowned Duke Blue Devils in his native North Carolina, has seen very little of the Power to date, but knows what he wants to see during home games at the General Motors Centre Thursday and Friday.

'We've got to be tough, we've got to play hard, we've got to be smart, we've got to make better decisions passing the ball and with shot selection,' Brickey said during a press conference at the Travelodge in Oshawa. 'If you improve those two areas, you change a lot of games.'

Brickey inherits the team from Pickering's David Joseph, who filled in for the past two games after the team parted ways with Mark Strickland last week.

The Power had been right in the thick of the playoff hunt for much of the season, but the six-game slide has seen the team fall to 6-13, leaving them in sixth place in the seven-team league.

With the top four teams making the playoffs, the Power will likely need to catch both the 7-10 Summerside Storm and 8-8 Saint John Mill Rats over the final 17 games in order to accomplish that goal.

Brickey, whose lone previous head coaching job was with the Division II Shaw University in North Carolina, has had only two days of practice with the team heading into Thursday's game.

'I'll have a better idea of who can do what because sometimes guys practise better than they play and some play better than they practise, so it's hard to get a gauge on guys right now,' Brickey said when asked to assess the talent. 'I think I'll have a better idea come Friday night.'

Brickey said he would like to see the team take fewer jump shots, have more post production and create transition opportunities by playing better on defence.

In the past two games, both also at the GM Centre, the Power dropped a heart-breaking 101-100 to the Summerside Storm last Thursday, then got thumped 125-99 by the Halifax Rainmen in a Christmas Eve game. Morgan Lewis, the league's No.1 overall draft pick, returned from an injury Thursday and showed little signs of rust with 14 points, six rebounds and three assists. He added 21 points, 11 rebounds and six assists Saturday.

The Power face Moncton (2-12) Thursday and Quebec (13-7) Friday, both at 7:30 p.m.

Courtesy of www.durhamregion.com

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CHINA

Wilson Chandler claims Chinese CBA weekly honour - by Eurobasket NewsAmerican Wilson Chandler (203-F-87) had an amazing evening in the last round for Guangsha L. and that's him to receive a Asia-basket.com Player of the Week award for round 17.The 24-year old forward had a double-double of 44 points and eighteen rebounds, while his team beat Beijing Ducks (#1, 13-3) 118-112. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Guangsha L. maintains the 3rd position in Chinese CBA. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Guangsha L. will need more victories to improve their 12-4 record. In the team's last game Chandler had a remarkable 64.0% from 2-point range. He turned to be Guangsha L.'s top player in his first season with the team. De Paul University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Chandler is in league's top in points (3rd best: 28.9ppg), rebounds (8th best: 12.6rpg) and averages solid 53.6% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 30-year old American Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81) of Jiangsu D.. Vroman impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 37 points and 14 rebounds. Bad luck as Jiangsu D. lost that game 105-111 to the higher-ranked Jilin NE T. (#11, 7-9). The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. Jiangsu D. is still at the dead bottom 17th position. 13 lost games are too many comparing to just three victories Jiangsu D. managed to get this year. Vroman is a newcomer at Jiangsu D. and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was American Lester Hudson (191-G-84) of Qingdao DS (#13). Hudson got into 30-points club by scoring 37 points in the last round. He went also for six rebounds and twelve assists. He was a key player of Qingdao DS, leading his team to a 110-88 easy win against the lower-ranked Foshan (#16, 5-11). The chances of Qingdao DS not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 10 games, recording just six victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Hudson could try to bring Qingdao DS's a little bit higher in the standings. Hudson has individually a great season in China. After 16 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 34.2ppg (2nd best) and assists with 5.9apg (2nd best). He also has 3.6spg and FGP: 54.6%.

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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CROATIA

CEZ Nymburk and Sime Spralja part ways - by Eurobasket NewsSime Spralja (206-F/C-83, agency: Court Side) is out of CEZ Nymburk. The reigning Czech champion decided not to keep Spralja for rest of the season. The Croatian big guy appeared six times in NBL averaging 8.5 points and 3.7 rebounds. He also played four games in VTB United league and one in EuroCup, but with lower digits. Spralja joined Nymburk in October as a replacement for injured Andrew Naymick. Sime Spralja spent last five years with Siroki. He helped them win four Bosnian league titles and two National Cups. In 2005, Spralja won the Croatian championship with Zadar. They won the Croatian Cup that same year and also in 2003. In the past, Spralja spent one season with Split.

Czech Republic NBL round 19 best performance: Pavel Stanek - by Eurobasket NewsPower forward Pavel Stanek (203-F/C-76, agency: Court Side) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Chomutov, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 19.The 35-year old player was the main contributor (22 points, six rebounds) to his team's victory, helping them to edge out Levice (#11, 5-14) in overtime 100-98. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Chomutov is placed at 9th position in Czech Republic NBL. Chomutov is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 6-13 record. Stanek has many years of experience at Chomutov, through which he has constantly improved. Pavel Stanek averages this season 14.3ppg.

The second best player in last round's games was 26-year old Greek Savvas Manousos (208-F/C-85) of NH Ostrava. Manousos had a very good evening with a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds. Bad luck as NH Ostrava lost that game 88-94 to the higher-ranked BC Kolin (#4, 14-5). NH Ostrava managed to keep the same 7th spot in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 9-10 record. Manousos is a newcomer at NH Ostrava and despite he is not a team leader yet, every game he becomes more reliable player. Hopefully performances like the last one will happen more often.

Third on the list of top players last round was Slovakian center Peter Sedmak (207-C-85) of USK Praha (#6). Sedmak scored 27 points and grabbed six rebounds. He was a key player of USK Praha, leading his team to a 91-81 win against the lower-ranked Usti n/Labem (#10, 6-13). USK Praha needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 12 victories and 7 lost games. Sedmak has a great season in Czech Republic. After 19 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 20.1ppg (2nd best).

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

The Energy acquired both L.A's 3rd round pick as well as Tulsa's 3rd round pick, which had been obtained by L.A. in a previous trade.

Collins, a 6'6' guard out of Temple, was acquired by the Energy as an 'Affiliate Player'; because he was in training camp with the Washington Wizards, one of the Energy's NBA affiliates. Collins has played four seasons in the NBA with the New York Knicks and L.A. Clippers. He has career averages of 3.9 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists. He most recently was playing in China prior to his stint in the Wizards camp.

'This trade allowed us to acquire two early picks in next year's draft, which are great assets to have,' said Energy GM Chris Makris. 'We also have the ability to leverage those assets to acquire players later this year if we decide that is the best way for us to reach our goal of repeating as NBA D-League champions.'

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Charge sign former Cavs guard Manny Harris - by Eurobasket NewsManny Harris (6'5''-G-89, college: Michigan) is once again a part of the Cleveland Cavaliers organization.

But he will be playing his basketball a little south of Cleveland.

The Canton Charge added Harris to their roster Wednesday through the NBA Development League's player affiliate rule, which allows D-League teams to acquire up to three players who were waived from their affiliate's NBA training camp. The players must not have their rights held by another D-League team.

The Charge waived forward Jonathan Blake to make room on the 10-man roster for the 6-foot-5, 185-pound Harris, who played in 54 games last year for the Cavaliers as an undrafted free agent. He averaged 5.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 17.3 minutes a game.

The 22-year-old was unable to participate in the Cavs' recent training camp because of a freezer burn on his foot that he suffered during the NBA lockout. The University of Michigan product did not have a guaranteed contract and was waived Dec. 22. He lost his roster spot to Mychel Thompson, who had been in the D-League with the Erie Bayhawks.

It's unclear when Harris will be ready to play for the Charge. Canton has home games Thursday versus Maine and Saturday versus Erie before traveling to Fort Wayne for a New Year's game Sunday.

He joins a suddenly deep back court with point guards Keith McLeod and T.J. Campbell and guards Antoine Agudio, Kyle Gibson and Antonio Graves. Harris and McLeod are the only Charge players with NBA experience.

The Charge (6-5), winners of three straight, still hold the No. 1 waiver preference spot.

Blake, a rookie from Houston, averaged 7.1 points on 49.2-percent shooting and 3.9 rebounds in 11 games (seven starts). The 24-year-old recently saw his playing time drop with the return of Tyrell Biggs from Cavaliers training camp and the emergence of Dante Milligan.

Blake's departure leaves Campbell, Graves and forward Travis Franklin as the only Charge players who have been with the team since training camp broke.

Selected by Boston in the first round of the 2005 NBA Draft (18th overall), Green, who was signed to the Lakers preseason roster on December 9, has appeared in 181 games (41 starts) over four seasons with the Celtics, Timberwolves, Mavericks and Rockets, averaging 7.5 points (.358 3FG%), 2.0 rebounds and 0.8 assists. Green, the 2007 NBA Sprite Slam Dunk Champion out of Gulf Shores Academy (Houston, TX), declared for the draft after his senior season where he was named a 2005 McDonald's All-American and won the McDonald's Slam Dunk Contest.

Signed to the Lakers training camp roster on December 13, Thomas, a 6-9 forward out of San Diego State, helped lead the Aztecs to an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance last season, averaging 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.02 blocks in 30.4 minutes. After just two seasons at San Diego State, Thomas concluded his career with the Aztecs as the school's second leading shot blocker of all-time while ranking eighth all-time in both rebound average and field goal percentage.

In adding Green and Thomas, the D-Fenders have waived Brian Hamilton and Terrence Roberts due to injury and will retain their rights. The roster now stands at 10 as the team continues its current four-game road trip with the Erie Bayhawks next up on December 29 at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Carter, born June 2, 1987, was added to the Utah Jazz training camp roster on Dec. 13, 2011. Carter finished college at the University of Illinois-Chicago after attending the University of Minnesota for two years and a year at Missouri State-West Plains Junior College. Carter was named to the 2011 Horizon League All-Newcomer team in 2010-11 after averaging 14.7 points, 8.0 rebound and 1.9 assists. Before signing with Utah, Carter played briefly in the country of Cyprus. Carter will wear jersey No. 21.

White was added to the training camp roster of the New Orleans Hornets before this season after sitting out all of 2010-11 due to a fractured foot with the Detroit Pistons, who selected him 36th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft. Born March 7, 1990, White went to the University of Mississippi from 2008-10 and was named the SEC Freshman of the Year after the 2008-09 season. In his two years there, White averaged 14.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. White will wear jersey No. 6 with the Stampede.

Adrian Oliver fills Cedric Bozeman's spot on Bighorns - by Eurobasket NewsThe Reno Bighorns have announced the acquisition of Adrian Oliver (6'4''-G-88, college: San Jose St.), who recently attended the Sacramento Kings training camp. Oliver will fill the roster spot held by Cedric Bozeman (6'6''-G-83, college: UCLA), who was waived from the team due to injury.

Oliver comes to the Bighorns as a rookie out of San Jose State University, where he became the schools second all-time scorer in just three seasons. He was the first player at his school to rank in the top five nationally in scoring and the first to do it twice.

He was a two-time all-Western Athletic Conference selection and was named WAC player of the week three times. He holds the schools career record of 30 point games (17), career fee-throws made (442) and free-throw accuracy (83.6%). He most recently played for Aris B.C. in the Greek Basketball League, where he scored 16 points in the Greek Basketball Cup.

Bozeman has started every game for the Bighorns this season, averaging 14.3 points, 6.2 assists and 5.5 rebounds. The Bighorns will retain his rights.

Fans can see Oliver in action when the team takes on the Fort Wayne Mad Ants on January 3rd and 4th at the Reno Events Center. +

Courtesy of www.mynews4.com

Latest games - by Eurobasket NewsErie Bay H. - Ft.Wayne MA 109-94The Erie BayHawks dazzled their home crowd on Wednesday night going wire-to-wire to defeat the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, 109-94. Erie jumped out to an early 8-0 lead and never looked back as six Erie players scored in double figures, including three players off the bench. Erie center Chris Daniels (6'11''-C-84), in his first game back after attending the Los Angeles Lakers training camp, notched 8 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in the first frame to help the BayHawks take a 32-21 lead after one. A nearly even second frame helped Erie make it in to halftime with a 12-point margin, 57-45, with Erie guard Mike Gerrity notching 12 of his 14 points in the first half. The Mad Ants made their fiercest charge in the third quarter coming within 3 points, 68-65, with 4:28 to play. However, after an Erie timeout, the BayHawks went on a 17-7 run to end the frame up 85-72. Fort Wayne chipped away at the lead once again in the fourth to pull within 5 with five minutes to play. But Erie again held off the visitors by finishing out the game on a 13-3 run to land their second home win of the season. Erie (5-8) forward D.J. Kennedy (6'6''-G/F-89, agency: Interperformances, college: St.John's) notched a double-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds and added 6 assists, while teammate Kyle Goldcamp joined him with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists off the bench. Kyle Spain dropped in 17, while Daniels added 15 and B.J. Jenkins chipped in 12. Fort Wayne (4-7) was lead by Ron Howard (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Valparaiso) with 24 points, Walker Russell, Jr. added 22 and Darnell Lazare (6'8''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: LSU) chipped in 14. Erie hosts the Los Angeles D-fenders on Thursday at 7pm at Tullio Arena, while Fort Wayne will play host to the D-fenders on Friday. *Courtesy of www.wane.com

Idaho S. - Reno B. 98-120The Idaho Stampede never led Monday night, starting in an early hole and eventually falling 120-98 to the Reno Bighorns in front of 2,306 fans at CenturyLink Arena in Boise. A pair of free throws by Terrance Thomas (6'6''-F-80, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Baylor) capped a 15-1 run in the opening quarter, which helped the Bighorns (5-6) build a 24-9 lead they pushed to as much as 66-44 late in the second quarter. Idaho (5-7) whittled the lead down to 78-73 on a David Bailey (5'8''-PG-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Loyola, IL) 3-point play, and got as close as four points, 81-77, on an Antoine Walker (6'9''-F-75, college: Kentucky) free throw, but never managed to grab the lead as Reno closed out the win with a 17-5 run. Seth Tarver (6'5''-G/F-88, college: Oregon St.) led Idaho with 19 points while Bailey added 17 and Walker had 12 points and 12 rebounds. Blake Ahearn (6'2''-PG-84, college: Missouri St.) led all scorers with 35 points for Reno. Courtesy of www.idahopress.com

Canton C. - Maine RC 106-90A big lead all but evaporated Tuesday night. The Canton Charge decided the best answer was to build it right back up. The Charge righted the ship and cruised in the second half to a 106-90 NBA Development League win against Maine in front of 1,934 fans at Memorial Civic Center. Canton saw a 22-point first-half lead whittled to three, but the Charge (6-5) didnt panic in winning their third straight game. 'We just kept playing', Charge point guard Keith McLeod (6'3''-PG-79, college: Bowling Green) said. 'That's the thing, man. When teams make their runs, we just have to keep playing. That's how the game goes sometimes.' McLeod scored 23 points in his first game back with the Charge after attending Utah Jazz training camp. Tyrell Biggs (6'8''-F-86, college: Pittsburgh) scored 10 of his 20 points in the third quarter as the Charge re-established control. Head coach Alex Jensen was happy to get the win, but wants to avoid some of the hills and valleys that his team is running into. He hopes video of the first quarter, when the Charge held Maine to 21.4 percent shooting and fed offensively off their defense, sets in the consciousness of his players. The point of it is, This is how good you guys can be. Right here, Jensen said. Its not a fluke. I think we have that capability. The ceiling is high. McLeod, who scored 10 first-quarter points off the bench, reintroduced himself to Charge fans with a crossover dribble and driving layup that drew oohs from the crowd. He drained a 3-pointer from just over halfcourt at the first-quarter buzzer to put Canton up, 34-15. The lead grew to 22 on Kyle Gibson (6'5''-G-87, college: Louisiana Tech) 's baseline jumper early in the second quarter. But the Charge went cold from there, making only three of their next 18 shots from the field as Maine steadily chipped away. I think we had a little letdown with the energy, said Gibson, who scored 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the floor in 21 efficient minutes. But we picked it up and ended the half well. Coach talked about getting back on D because thats where they were getting most of their points from. They were getting fast-break points and getting to the free-throw line. The Red Claws (4-7) got their deficit to three before a Dante Milligan layup and a McLeod 3 from the left wing with four seconds left had the Charge up, 52-44, at the half. The Charge quickly got their lead back into double digits in the third as they rediscovered their shooting stroke. Gibson, T.J. Campbell and Biggs all made 3s in the frame. Maine never got back within 10 points. The Charge made 14 of 26 3-pointers (53.8 percent), led by 3-of-3 from Gibson and 3-of-4 from Campbell, who scored 11 points. The jump shots that come out of our transition or the extra pass when they double the post, those are the ones you want, Jensen said. Antonio Graves (6'3''-G-85, college: Pittsburgh) scored 11 points in his Charge debut after missing the first month of the season recovering from a wrist injury. Antoine Agudio added 10 points, while Milligan grabbed a game-high 16 rebounds. Durrell Summers (6'4''-G-89, college: Michigan St.) (Bobcats) scored 15 points and Kenny Hayes (Cavaliers) 14 for Maine in their first games back after attending NBA training camps. Courtney Pigram, who torched the Charge for 33 points and seven 3-pointers in Maines 103-81 win Dec. 10, was held to six points. He didnt get off a 3-pointer. Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

Iowa E. - Sioux Falls S. 121-103The 2011 NBA D-League Champion Iowa Energy's bench outscored Sioux Falls' reserves 69-20 on their way to a decisive 121-103 victory Tuesday night. The night began very ominous for Iowa, as Sioux Falls jumped out to a 13-0 lead behind six early points from guard Casey Mitchell (6'4''-G-88, college: W.Virginia). The Energy battled back quick, as an Andrew Drevo (6'8''-F/C-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Nebraska) jump shot with 39.6 seconds remaining in the quarter gave Iowa a 26-25 lead. A pair of Energy baskets to close the half put the home team up 30-25. The 2nd quarter was more of the same for Iowa, as Michael Tveidt (6'7''-F-87, college: N.Dakota St.) scored 10 points in the stanza to help push the Energy lead to 69-50 at the break. Sioux Falls would narrow the gap to nine points in the 4th quarter, but Iowa had an answer every time the Skyforce got close. After Sioux Falls cut the lead to 106-97 with 6:05 left, Energy sharp shooter Moses Ehambe drilled a 3-pointer, and Andrew Drevo and Marqus Blakely (6'5''-F-89, college: Vermont) each scored to put the game out of reach. Tveidt led Iowa with 24 points, while Ehambe and Blakely added 22 points each. The win extends the Energy's lead in the Eastern Conference to 1.5 games over Springfield with a 9-4 record. Sioux Falls was led by Mitchell's 29 point effort, while Charles Garcia (6'9''-F-88, college: Seattle) (6'9''-F-88, college: Seattle) added 27. The loss drops the Skyforce to 5-8 on the season. Courtesy of www.ksfy.com

Maine RC - Iowa E. 101-86The beauty of a quick turnaround game is the opportunity for redemption and a chance to quickly restore some much-needed confidence. The Maine Red Claws capitalized on that opportunity Saturday. Just over 12 hours after an epic collapse against the Iowa Energy, the Red Claws rebounded with a 101-86 victory over the Energy in front of 2,835 at the Portland Expo. 'It would have been terrible if we played (Friday) and then our next game was next week,' said Red Claws forward Paul Harris (6'5''-F-86, college: Syracuse). 'That would have been hurtful. It was good that we got to come back the next day. 'But we have to remember, you don't always get a second chance.' The Red Claws didn't show any signs of a hangover from coughing up a 21-point third-quarter lead in a 111-102 loss Friday night. They got off to a good start, building a 7-2 lead in the opening three minutes. That lead held until the late stages of the period, when Maine went on a 9-0 run, which included five points by Dominic Calegari to up the advantage to 26-14. Harris paced the Red Claws in the quarter with 12 of his 17 points. Meanwhile, instead of picking up where they left off, the Energy couldn't find their range in the opening quarter, shooting just 23.8 percent. Mike Tisdale sparked an 8-0 Red Claws run early in the second quarter with six straight points that upped the lead to 34-20 midway through the period. The 14-point bulge was the biggest of the half. The teams hit the break with Maine leading, 46-35. 'I've learned that when you play back-to-back games, you have to have a very short memory,' said Red Claws Coach Dave Leitao. 'When we came in this morning we had to review some of the stuff from yesterday, not to point out mistakes but to quickly understand that we had to clean up some stuff. We presented it as a challenge moving forward.' The Red Claws ensured that a second straight second-half collapse was not going to happen with a solid third quarter. After sinking only one 3-pointer on six tries in the opening half, Maine drained all seven attempts in the third quarter. Justin Brownlee was successful on all four of his long-distance attempts in the period, accounting for 12 of his game-high 21 points. Maine led 79-61 heading into the final quarter. 'We definitely knew that third quarter was going to be important for us,' said Brownlee, who also collected a game-high 14 rebounds. 'We wanted to keep that lead, keep attacking and keep being aggressive.' Andrew Drevo and Darion Anderson paced the Energy with 15 points each. Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Sioux Falls S. - Springfield A. 103-99 OTSpringfield came unbelievably close to spoiling a Christmas Day tradition in Sioux Falls despite doing next to nothing on the offensive end for two quarters. The Armor blew a 14-point edge in the first half and then rallied from a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime. They even had a shot to win in the final seconds of the extra session before dropping a 103-99 decision to the Skyforce in NBA D-League play before a crowd of 3,622 at Sioux Falls Arena. 'I thought we came out and played well early', Springfield coach Bob MacKinnon said. 'And then I thought our second and third quarters we didn't play with the same intensity and we kind of played like a tired team.' The Armor (7-5) were playing their third road game in four days, but if theyre tired now, what will their condition be toward the tail end of this 16-day swing? They were anything but weary early and late. Springfield shot 58 percent and scored 35 points in the first quarter to take a 14-point lead. The squad put up 30 in the fourth, overcoming a 15-point deficit. The key to the rally: Going small and young. The Armor both pushed the tempo and got going from deep, hitting five 3-pointers after totaling just three through three quarters. The last was the largest Jerry Smith (6'2''-PG-84, college: Samford) banking in a trey from the left elbow with less than 4 seconds to go. In the final 16 seconds of overtime, Smith had another good look for the lead and Springfield had a shot at the rim, but both missed the mark. Of course, it wasnt late execution that cost the Armor their two-game win streak so much as the muddling middle. They went 3 of 21 from the field and committed five turnovers in totaling 11 points in the second quarter, equaling the fewest allowed by the Skyforce in any quarter this season. Springfield wasnt much more successful in the third, going 6 of 21 from the floor with six turnovers and managing just 13 points to fall into a 13-point hole. What helped us out the most this game was defensive (preparedness), said Sioux Falls forward Anthony Mason (6'7''-F-87, college: St.John's) son of the NBA veteran. We knew they were going to shoot a lot of 3s, and we were going to try to run them off (the 3-point line), and our defensive rotation helped us out a lot. The Skyforce also rebounded relatively well considering it lost the overall board battle 51-46, marking the 12th time this season the Armor have had an edge in that stat. Mason finished with 12 boards to go along with 22 points, Charles Garcia also had a dozen boards and 22 points, and guard Dominique Coleman (6'3''-G-84, college: Colorado) grabbed 11 rebounds to go with 18 points with eight assists. For the Armor, Jameson Curry (6'4''-G-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Oklahoma St.) led the way with 21 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter, while Smith scored 17 off the bench. Jamar Brown (6'9''-F/C-80, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) had a team-high 12 rebounds. Both teams looked better than they did less than two weeks ago, each returning three players (while losing one apiece) from NBA training camps. But the Skyforce prevailed, running their Christmas Day record to 12-10 dating back to their CBA days.. The Armor were supposed to take part in that tradition a big deal in Sioux Falls in 2009, except the contest was postponed due to blizzard conditions. MacKinnon is not a fan of the tradition, and he wasnt pleased with the result. I think its wrong, he said. The NBA players get paid a lot of money, and our players dont. I think our league should take a week off for Christmas. I think its wrong to play this game on Christmas, and not have our people with their families. Courtesy of www.masslive.com

Sonderleiter is back at Fort Wayne Mad Ants - by Eurobasket Center Fort Wayne Mad Ants signed 31-year old center Sean Sonderleiter (206-C-107kg-80, college: Iowa). Its actually Sonderleiters comeback to Ft.Wayne MA as he played here before. In his first game he scored 4 points. However his new team lost to Erie Bay H. 94-109. Sonderleiter played most recently at Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany). While playing 29 games for Ratiopharm last season his stats were: 5.5ppg and 3.8rpg. He played also pro basketball in Australia and Germany. Sonderleiter graduated University of Iowa in 2004 and actually missed last season. It will be his eighth season in pro basketball.

Tartu Ulikool and Kalev/Cramo enter Cup Final - by Eurobasket NewsTartu Ulikool and Kalev/Cramo predictably entered the Estonian Cup title game. They defeated TTU and Rakevere Tarvas respectively in todays semifinals. Tartu Ulikool claimed an 84:61 win over TTU in the first semifinal clash tonight. Bill Amis (205-F-87, college: Hawaii) posted 15 points and 7 rebounds to lead the charge. Tartu strongly started the game taking a 22:10 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the gap to 24 points at the interval 47:23. TTU never recovered in the second half suffering a heavy defeat at the end. Sokk nailed 14 points, while Vallo Allingu (206-C-78) added 11 points for the winners. Kiur Akenparg (190-F-88) answered with 14 points for TTU. Kalev/Cramo held off Rakvere Tarvas 79:60 for the birth in the title game. Kalev/Cramo led by 7 points after ten minutes but Rakvere bounced back to cut the deficit to a single point at the interval 40:41. However Kalev/Cramo stiffened their defence in the second half and ran away with a comfortable win at the end. Gert Dorbek (194-G-85) posted 15 points, while Tanel Sokk (184-G-85) had 11 points and 6 assists in the victory. Kaspars Cipruss (210-C-82, agency: Interperformances) responded with 12 points for Rakvere. The Final game is scheduled for tomorrow.

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EUROCUP

Krka land Ben Hansbrough and Jure Lalic - by Eurobasket NewsKrka followed the signing of Uros Lucic (207-C-83) with two more additions. They brought in Ben Hansbrough (190-G-87, college: Notre Dame) and Jure Lalic (212-C-86). Ben Hansbrough started the his pro career in Germany this season. The guard signed a deal with Bayern Munich. Ben Hansbrough posted 8.0 points, 2.0 boards and 1.3 assists per game in EuroCup. In Bundesliga the guard notched 5.5 points, 2.7 assists and 1.6 rebounds per appearance. Ben Hansbrough graduated from Notre Dame in 2011. He was named USBasket.com All-NCAA D1 2nd Team in 2011. Jure Lalic started the season in KK Cibona. The centre posted 2.0 points per game in Euroleague. In Adriatic League Jure Lalic averaged 4.1 points, 2.2 boards. In EuroCup his stats read 7.5 points and 1.5 boards per appearance. Krka also parted ways with Marko Djurkovic (205-F-87) and Mustafa Abdul-Hamid (188-G-88, college: UCLA).

Milano's Hairston undergoes surgery, at least 4 weeks out - by Eurobasket NewsIt seems that Malik Hairston (198-G-87, college: Oregon) will miss at least one month due to injury, not only 3 weeks as it was reported at the first point. The EA7 Emporio Armani's scorer already underwent successful surgery on his left Achilles' tendon. Hairston appeared in 10 Euroleague games this season averaging 13.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists. He also added 12.5 ppg and 3.5 rpg for 8 games in SerieA. Malik Hairston joined Milano during the pre-season. He spent 2010/11 with Montepashi Siena helping them to defend the SerieA title and also to win the Italian Cup. It was his first year in Europe. From 2008 to 2010, Malik Hairston played for the San Antonio Spurs and D-League team Austin Toros. He graduated at the University of Oregon in 2008. In 2005, Hairtson played for the USA U18 National Team.

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FINLAND

Finnish Korisliiga round 21 best performance: Allen Durham - by Eurobasket NewsAmerican forward Allen Durham (198-F-88) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Salon Vilpas, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 21.The 23-year old player had a double-double of 27 points and 19 rebounds, while his team edged out ToPo (#4, 11-8) in overtime 90-86. Salon Vilpas maintains the 9th position in Finnish Korisliiga. Salon Vilpas is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 7-12 record. In the team's last game Durham had a remarkable 66.7% from 2-point range. He turned to be Salon Vilpas' top player in his first season with the team. Worth to mention Durham played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

The second best player in last round's games was 34-year old American Malik Moore (192-G-77, agency: Prossin Sports Management) of Namika Lahti. Moore had a very good evening with 20 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists. Of course he lead Namika Lahti to another comfortable win outscoring the higher-ranked Kataja (#1, 16-4) 94-72. Despite this victory they still are dead at the bottom. 16 lost games are too many comparing to just three victories Namika Lahti managed to get this year. Moore is a newcomer at Namika Lahti, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was another Salon Vilpas' star - American guard Emmanuel Holloway (188-G-86). Holloway showcased his all-around game by recording 29 points, six rebounds and four assists in the last round. He was another key player of Salon Vilpas, helping his team with a 90-86overtime win against the higher-ranked ToPo (#4, 11-8). The chances of Salon Vilpas not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 12 games, recording just seven victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Holloway could try to bring Salon Vilpas' a little bit higher in the standings. Holloway has individually a great season in Finland. After 17 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 20.8ppg (4th best).

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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FRANCE

Denave's 34-point game gives him ProB Player of the Week award (by BasketStore) - by Eurobasket News

26-year old shooting guard David Denave (195-SG-85) put on an amazing game in the last round for St Vallier and receives a Eurobasket.com ProB Player of the Week award for round 15.He had the game-high 34 points adding two rebounds and six assists for St Vallier in his team's victory, helping them to edge out Rouen (#15, 5-10) 93-92. St Vallier is placed at 5th position in French ProB. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. St Vallier will need more victories to improve their 9-6 record. In the team's last game Denave had a remarkable 53.8% from 2-point range and got six three-pointers out of 9 attempts. He has many years of experience at St Vallier, through which he has constantly improved. Denave has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (2nd best: 18.9ppg), assists (4th best: 5.5apg) and averages solid 58.4% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Bambale Osby (203-C/F-86) of Maurienne. He is American-DR Congolese in his first season at Maurienne. In the last game Osby recorded impressive double-double of 24 points and 17 rebounds. Bad luck as Maurienne lost that game 73-78 to the lower-ranked Nantes (#11, 7-8). This loss caused Maurienne to drop to 7th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 9-6 record is not bad and everything may still change. Osby is a newcomer at Maurienne and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. Former University of Maryland star Osby is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market.

Third place about best performers goes to Christophe Massie (206-C/F-77, agency: Court Side) of league's second-best Limoges. Massie scored 16 points and grabbed fifteen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Limoges, leading his team to a 70-60 win against the lower-ranked Vichy (#18, 1-14). Limoges needs these victories very badly if they think about taking over top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 11 victories and 4 lost games. Massie has a great season in France. After 15 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 11.5rpg (#1 in league).

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Rochestie's double-double lands him Player of the Week award (by BasketStore) - by Eurobasket News

26-year old point guard Taylor Rochestie (185-PG-85) put on an amazing game in the last round for Le Mans and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 13.He got a double-double of 21 points and 10 assists, while his team crushed Paris-Levallois (#5, 9-4) with 23-point margin 99-76. Le Mans maintains the 4th position in French league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Le Mans will need more victories to improve their 10-3 record. In the team's last game Rochestie had a remarkable 87.5% from 2-point range. He turned to be Le Mans' top player in his first season with the team. Washington State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Rochestie is in league's top in points (3rd best: 20.5ppg), assists (2nd best: 6.8apg) and averages solid 60.2% FGP and 51.6% from behind 3-point line.

Second best performed player last round was Bobby Dixon (178-PG-83, agency: Beo Basket) of Dijon. He is American guard in his first season at Dijon. In the last game Dixon recorded impressive 26 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Bad luck as Dijon was edged by the higher-ranked Orleans (#6, 8-5) 64-63. Dijon managed to keep the same 9th spot in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 6-7 record. Dixon is a newcomer at Dijon and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to swingman John Holland (195-G/F-88) of Roanne (#7). Holland scored 22 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). Despite Holland's great performance Roanne lost 69-76 to the higher-ranked Chalon (#1, 11-2). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Roanne needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 6 victories and 6 lost games. Holland has a very solid season. In 10 games in France he scored 15.7ppg. He also has 5.0rpg and FGP: 54.4%.

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Cholet Basket parts ways with Robert Hite and Donnie McGrath - by Eurobasket NewsRobert Hite (188-G-84, college: Miami, FL) and Donnie McGrath (193-G-84, college: Providence) are no longer members of Cholet Basket. They signed contract terminations yesterday and both players are free agents. Robert Hite joined Cholet during the pre-season, but got injured in September and was out until mid of November. After that, he appeared 7 times for Cholet in ProA averaging 8.4 points and 2.3 rebounds. Hite also added 8.8 ppg and 2.2 rpg for 6 EuroCup games. Robert Hite is now linked with Italian team Conad Biancoblu and he already has experience from LegaDue. He shined for Reggio Emilia in 2009/10 with 17.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 1.9 spg in 14 games. That same season he also spent some time with Montegranaro and Caserta. In the past, Hite played for Oostende, Tau Ceramica, Galatasaray and he also appeared 12 times for the Miami Heat in 2006/07 season.Donnie McGrath also joined Cholet during the pre-season. He had 2.7 ppg and 2 apg for 7 games in ProA. In EuroCup, McGrath averaged 2.6 points and 1.2 assists for 5 games. He spent last season with PAOK Thessaloniki.

Strasbourg announce Alexis Ajinca - by Eurobasket NewsStrasbourg officially announced the arrival of Alexis Ajinca (215-C-88, agency: Priority Sports). The centre signed a deal till the end of the season. Alexis Ajinca started the season with Hyeres-Toulon. He posted 21.0 points, 10.0 boards and 4.5 blocks per game in ProA. In December Alexis Ajinca moved overseas to try make it on the Toronto Raptors roster. The Frenchman failed to enter the squad for the regular season and decided to return to France. Last season Alexis Ajinca played for the Dallas Maverics and the Toronto Raptors in the NBA. Alexis Ajinca was the member of French U16, U18 and U19 National Teams. USBasket.com named the centre All-D-League Import Player of the Year in 2010. Eurobasket.com trumped him All-French ProA Newcomer of the Year in 2008.

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GEORGIA

Shengelia Cannot Play for Three Months - by Darbaiseli Tornike Shengelia, member of Georgian national basketball team injured and he will not be able to play for three months. 20-year-old forward of Belgacom Spirou Basket injured in Blegium championship match and in such condition played the last championship matches. Analyzes confirmed that he needs serious treatment. According to the preliminary information, his bone of foot is broken and thats why he missed the last match of Belgium championship. It goes without saying that he missed todays match too, where Blegium team plays against Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Euro League match.According to the previous season Shengelia was named in the nomination of the best young basketball player of the year by FIBA-Europe. Voting in this inquiry lasts till January 31, by this link is possible to vote him.Tornike Shengelia (207-F-91)

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GERMANY

Dane Watts (ratiopharm Ulm) Bringing in Michael Umeh Gives The Phantoms Another Threat At The Guard Spot - by Miles Schmidt-ScheuberDane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports) is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Warrensburg, Missouri. He is playing his first season for ratiopharm Ulm. He played at Creighton (NCAA) from 2004-2008 with NBA player Anthony Tolliver. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 11.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3Pts: 42.5%, FT: 71.8%. In 2008, he came to Germany and started his professional basketball career with EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 32 games: 8.9ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP-1 (68.4%), 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 68.7%. In 2009-2010, he came to The Walter Tigers Tuebingen playing 34 games: 10.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 71.0%. Last season for Tuebingen, he played 33 games: 13.7ppg, Reb-4 (7.6rpg), 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 54.5%; in May'11 moved to Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (France-ProA): 3 games: 7.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg. At Creighton, he won awards such as MVC Tournament Winner -05, 07, MVC All-Freshman Team -05, MVC Regular Season Runner-Up -07, and MVC Tournament Semifinals -08. He spoke to eurobasket before the game against the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig December 30th.

Congrats on the 101-84 win in Bonn. The ratiopharm Ulm victory march continues. With each win, not only does the selfconfidence grow, but does that small touch of being invincible ever creep into your mind on that given day?

I think winning on the road can build confidence in a team, going into another teams arena with their fans and winning builds confidence in what you teams gameplan is. I think that Berlin showed us that we are not invincible.

The game was tight in the first half as ratiopharm ulm led 49-47. What adjustments were made in the second half as ratiopharm ulm were able to break away and win?

We did not make adjustments, we continued to attack and pressure them, in the end our depth wore them down and we were able to break away.

What amazes you most about Chris Ensminger at age 38? Do you think he could play until 50 if he wanted to?

Playing at 38 is a feat in itself especially for a big man. He is older than every coach I have played for in Germany, he can play as long as he wants his game is not going to change.

The next game is against the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. What has been your impression of this team this season?

They have some new faces but have some core guys from the last two seasons they were successful. Bringing in Umeh gives The Phantoms another threat from the guard spot.

Braunschweig is a very solid team that is one of many teams that could reach the Beko BBL playoffs. What will be key in getting the win?

Playing tough defense and limiting their 2nd chance points.

You could be matched up against Rich Melzer who has had a very solid season so far. What will be most challenging for you to limit his performance?

I still need to see him on film but he is putting up solid numbers.

How surprised have you been by the very slow starts of the Lakers and Mavericks?

Not too surprised, Dallas has a lot of new pieces and they are older, Lakers have a new coach so not that surprising.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Airplane

Thanks Dane for the chat.

David Teague (I Played Until My Wheels Didint Move Anymore) - by Miles Schmidt-ScheuberDavid Teague (196-G-83, college: Purdue) is a 28 year old 196cm guard playing his first season for Ass.Pallacanestro Sant' Antimo (Italy) who is an athletic wing player who possesses an excellent perimeter shot, is a solid penetrator who can get to the basket off the dribble and is a tenacious defender who can shut down dribble penetration. He grew up in Indianapolis and went to Pike high school and at Bridgeton Academy. He played at Purdue from 2002-2007 and In his senior year, he played 34 games averaging 14.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 44.0%, 3Pts: 41.2%, FT: 75.4% Purdue from 2002-2007. In his first professional season, he played in Greece for AEL 1964 playing 23 games averaging 9.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 78.0%. Last season, he played in France for JA Vichy Val d'Allier Auvergne basket playing 4 EuroChallenge games: averaging 8.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.8spg and playing 29 games in the French League averaging 13.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 73.4%. In 2009-2010, he played for the Giessen 46ers where he led the Beko BBL in scoring playing 2009-2010: LTi Giessen 46ers (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 18 games: Score-1 (20.4ppg), 4.7rpg, Steals-4 (1.5spg), FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 70.0%. Last season, he played for Clube de Regatas do Flamengo (Brazil-NBB, starting five): Liga Americas: 6 games: 16.7ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 61.1%; Brazilian League: 22 games: 13.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 2FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 81.3%. Eurobasket spoke to Teague about his basketball career in Italy.

You are playing your first season in Italy in the Lega 2. How would you compare it to the leagues in Greece, France and Germany where you played previously?

It is lot like the France Pro A. There are a lot of good Americans playing in Italy and in the Lega 2.

You have been scoring nicely in the Lega 2. What is your role? Is it similar to what you had with the LTi Giessen 46ers?

It is a little different. As Campbell got hurt, my role sort of changed. Now it is a lot more like with Giessen where I am required to score more and be more aggressive on offense.

What is it like playing against ex NBA players each weekend. Recently you played against James White who played with the Chicago Bulls.

It is great playing against those guys. It really helps build your confidence. When you do well, you realize that there isnt so much difference between all the players with talent. Each time I go against an ex NBA player it is a test to see where I stand and keeps building up my confidence.

How do you like life in Italy and where is S. Antimo?

It is in the south of Italy at Naples. I recently moved near an US army air base. It makes it a lot easier for my girlfriend and son since all is Americanized. The weather is great as well.

The German fans have you in good memory. What do you miss most from Germany and the Beko BBL?

I miss the fan support. It was amazing all the love I got even on the road. Once I was on the court I got booed, but I always knew that I was respected. I really loved Germany and was in Frankfurt often hanging out at the Sports bars.

You only played 18 games in the 2009-2010 Beko BBL season, but you were top scorer. Many didnt know that you played the season hurt. How did you cope with that and still play well?

I just played with a lot of heart. I just did whatever I could to help my team win. We didnt win many games with Giessen, but I never gave up trying my best. I played until my wheels didnt move anymore. My knee gave out and that was it.

If you had been 100%, what kind of stats do you think you could have had?

I feel that I could of averaged 25-26 points and would of rebounded more. I am a big guard and like to mix it up under the boards. I also think that I would of shot better to.

I will never forget your 35 point game in Giessen against Alba Berlin. Was that your best game as a professional?

It was one of my best games. I remember making 39 points in a game in Greece where I missed only three shots. The game against Alba Berlin was a blessing for me. It was great playing against Julius Jenkins, Immanuel Mcelroy and Rashad Wright. I remember Jenkins telling me after the close loss good game and told me good luck in next games. I felt that he respected my game after the loss.

When will we see you in the Beko BBL again?

I dont know. I hope the league hasnt forgotten me. Me coming back depends on the offers that I get, but I would love to play in the Beko BBL again.

You played in Brasil last season for Regatas Do Flamengo. How was the basketball interest in Brasil where soccer dominates?

The interest and level is not as high in Brasil, but we had many fans because they had a very good soccer team. Our team was one of the top teams in South America.

What was it like as the only American playing with Brasilians?

It was different and a first for me, but the guys accepted me from the first day. Many guys had played in the States and had good English. They made me feel a part of a team which meant a lot for me coming off an injury.

What was your most crazy experience in Brazil?

It was being a part of the carnival which is like the Mardi Gras in the States. The weather wasnt so good when I was there, but all in all it was a very good experience for me.

You were a senior at Purdue when s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg guard Chris Kramer was a freshman. You seemed to be amazed by his play.

Kramer is my boy. He was a tough player. He played injured as a freshman. He was an incredible defender. He was tough and ferocious like a bull dog. He was responsible for a lot of the success that Purdue had which got them back on the map.

What is your cousin Jeff Teague doing during the NBA lockout period?

We have a nice basketball family in Indianapolis. He has been working out and staying in shape and playing a Pro Am tournament. He showed the world last season in the playoffs against the Chicago Bulls and Derrick Rose what he can do. He is a big talent and he should have a bigger role this season with the Atlanta Hawks.

Who wins a one on one game you or Folarian Campbell?

I would win. He is heavy and slow when going laterally. I am sure he hasnt forgotten the 30 points I scored on him and the Artland Dragons.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Paper Chasers a low budget movie about a drug dealer aspiring to become a rapper.

Germany U18 started successfully the International tournament in Spain. The team upset the hosts of the Ciudad de Barakaldo 51:44.The German team started with 13-12, but trailed after the first half. The Spanish side won the second frame to take 24:23 at the halftime. The second half however belonged to the guests. Germany produced a 6-point win in the third victory and led 39:34 after three quarters. In the last period they improved to 7 points as they took 51:44 victory. Stefan Wess (203-F) top-scored for the winners with 10 points and Paul Zipser (195-G-94) added 8. Dominik Lockhart ended up with 7 points, while David Taylor (188-PG-95) notched 6. In another game Italy U18 will face the Baschi selection.

Statistical leaders of the 1. Regionalliga North - by Moritz KorffWhile the players are enjoying the christmas break and a couple of days of rest, let's take a look at the statistical leaders of the 1. Regionalliga North. Only players who appeared in at least six games so far this season have been listed.

Saar-Pfalz Braves hire Marco Amelow as new head coach - by Moritz KorffThe Saar-Pfalz Braves have signed Marco Amelow to run the 2. Bundesliga Pro A team as the new head coach. 37-year-old Amelow brings lots of experience to Homburg. From 2001 to 2008 he worked for BBC Bayreuth and had his share in revitalizing this storied organization. He then moved to Luxembourg and served as a head coach of AB Contern until February 2010. Amelow led the team to a 2009 Luxembourg championship and the cup final. He was named the Eurobasket.com All-Luxembourg League Coach of the Year the same year. 'I am looking forward to this task and this challenge. Of course it is much more demanding and appealing to guide a team to the playoffs which currently sits in 13th place than taking over a 2nd ranked team and keep it on that position', Amelow stated.

Edin Bavcic claims Greek A1 weekly honour - by Eurobasket NewsBosnia and Herzegovina Edin Bavcic (210-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) had an amazing evening in the last round for KAOD and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 10.The 27-year old power forward had a double-double of 25 points and thirteen rebounds, while his team was edged out by Ilysiakos (#9, 4-6) 76-73. The game was not the highest importance and did not have significant influence on the top of the standings. KAOD maintains the 11th position in Greek A1. The season is in a full swing, so it's only a dream for the team to make it into top half of the standings. For contrary they may face relegation if the situation turns from bad to worse. KAOD have already lost 7 games and recorded just two victories. In the team's last game Bavcic had a remarkable 72.7% from 2-point range. He turned to be KAOD's top player in his first season with the team. Bavcic has impressive league stats. He leads league in rebounds with 8.7rpg. Bavcic is in league's top in and averages solid 71.4% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 25-year old Australian center Aron Baynes (208-C-86) of Ikaros. Baynes impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 20 points and 17 rebounds. Bad luck as Ikaros lost that game 67-81 to the higher-ranked Kavala (#7, 5-5). Ikaros is still in a red zone at 12th spot in the standings. 8 lost games are too many comparing to just one victory Ikaros managed to get this year. Baynes is a newcomer at Ikaros and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 14.6ppg (#8). He also registered 8.7 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was American Dominic James (180-PG-86) of Aris (#10). James showcased his all-around game by recording 28 points, six rebounds and four assists in the last round. Despite James' great performance Aris lost 87-92 to slightly higher-ranked PAOK (#8, 4-6). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Aris not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 6 games, recording just three victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, James could try to bring Aris' a little bit higher in the standings. James has individually a great season in Greece. After only 9 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 14.9ppg (6th best) and assists with 4.2apg (6th best).

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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HOLLAND

Demario Anderson hurts knee, will undergo surgery - by Fred RoggenLast week the American guard DeMario Anderson (193-G-85, agency: Court Side, college: Quinnipiac) underwent an MRI scan, which revealed that the cartilage is damaged in his knee. The injury requires surgery, and Anderson will miss 6-8 weeks.Probably he has suffered the injury in the away match against Aris Lasaulec on December 3. Anderson played 12 games this season for Stepco BSW, averaging 17.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 32.8 minutes.The technical staff of Stepco BSW currently investigating the possibilities of a temporary reinforcement.

Results Basketball Days in Zwolle: Landstede Basketball Win Convincingly - by Sanders JacksonOn Day #3 in the 1st annual Basketball Days holiday tournament in Landstede Sportcentrum, Landstede Basketball made once again a good impression, as the home team won every quarter, dominated the glass, cruising to an 89-69 win over Brazilian club Gremio Mogi. Landstede held a 57-44 advantage on the backboards and held the Brazilians to only 41% FG and 5 of 25 from the three-point line. The Landstede trio of Damon Huffman (187-G-85), Amu Saaka (198-F-88, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Furman) and Gerald Robinson (204-F-84, agency: Court Side, college: Tenn-Martin) brought their A-game with them, with Huffman scoring a game-high 24 pts., Saaka added 19 with 3 three-pointers, and Robinson added a double-double of 18 pts. and 12 rebounds. Landstede will face Newcastle Eagles tonight.

Indonesian NBL round 9 best performance: Dimas Aryo Dewanto - by Eurobasket NewsInternational forward Dimas Aryo Dewanto (180-F-86) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked Pelita Jaya, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 9.The 25-year old player was the main contributor (22 points, five rebounds) to his team's victory, helping them to outclass Bima Sakti (#10, 1-4) with 37-point margin 74-37. Pelita Jaya is placed at 2nd position in Indonesian NBL. They are still close to the very top. Pelita Jaya would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 5-1 record. It's Dewanto's second year at Pelita Jaya and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Dimas Aryo Dewanto averages just after three games 12.3ppg.

The second best player in last round's games was 26-year old Eko Sasmito (188-C-85) of Pacific Caesar. Sasmito had a very good evening with 13 points and 7 rebounds. It was enough for Pacific Caesar to edge Satya Wacana (#12, 0-6) 62-57. This victory allowed Pacific Caesar to move up to 8th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 2-4 record. Sasmito is a newcomer at Pacific Caesar and despite he is not a team leader yet, every game he becomes more reliable player. Hopefully performances like the last one will happen more often.

Third on the list of top players last round was another Pacific Caesar's star - guard Ivan Widyanto (175-G-83). Widyanto scored 0 points and passed eleven assists (!!!). He was another key player of Pacific Caesar, helping his team with a 62-57 win against Satya Wacana (#12, 0-6). The chances of Pacific Caesar not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 4 games, recording just two victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Widyanto could try to bring Pacific Caesar's a little bit higher in the standings. Widyanto has individually a great season in Indonesia. After only 8 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 3.1apg (4th best).

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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ISRAEL

Lev Hasharon Interested In Bnei's Kenny Lawson - by David PickIsraeli League rock bottom Bnei Hasharon (2-8) seems to be in the midst of player transformations. After failing with all its three NBA players during the lockout, re-signing Jason Williams and acquiring Isaac Rosefelt from Divison2 farm team Hapoel Lev Hasharon, Bnei's starting power forward Kenny Lawson may be heading in the opposite direction.

After initially being close to landing a deal earlier this summer with Division2 Hapoel Tel-Aviv, In October, Lawson signed a monthly contract with Bnei Hasharon replacing at the time injured NBAer Trevor Booker, and has extended his deal ever since. However, sources close to the negotiations confirmed the information to Eurobasket adding that Lev Hasharon (5-7), who released Rosefelt, has met with Lawson and is keen on seeing him join their squad.

During his first week in the Holy-Land Lawson played his best game of the season thus far in an OT losing effort to Hapoel Jerusalem, scoring 22 points and grabbing 9 boards. Lawson has posted double-digit scoring figures in six of his nine Israeli Division1 games, averaging 12.4ppg and 5.7rpg, in 32 minutes of action.

Maccabi Haifa Nearing Deal With Jeremis Smith - by David PickNearly two-weeks after Sean Williams pulled the plug, leaving a hole in Maccabi Haifa's paint; the northern Israeli team seemed to have found a replacement in the likes of Georgia Tech alumnus -- Jeremis Smith.

The hard-nosed athletic 25-year-old big man graduated from college in 2007-2008 while almost recording double-double averages of 10.5ppg and 7.1rpg. Smith's European career doesn't yet include playing in any of the top leagues, rather those in South and North America. In 2010 he began playing for Lobos UAD Mazatlan (Mexico) averaging 23.5ppg on 62.1%FGP, finishing first in the league in rebounds (11.7rpg), including a nice 2.4 dimes per game contribution. Smith would then be called to join Fuerza Regia Monterrey (Mexico) where he recorded 17.3ppg and 8.9rpg, including winning the Latinbasket.com All-Mexican LNBP Forward of the Year award. He also played in Argentina and Venezuela.

Smith, who began the 2011-2012 season with the Fuerza Regia Monterrey (LNBP) is yet to leave the team as he looks to make a turning point in his career.

Milano's Hairston undergoes surgery, at least 4 weeks out - by Eurobasket NewsIt seems that Malik Hairston (198-G-87, college: Oregon) will miss at least one month due to injury, not only 3 weeks as it was reported at the first point. The EA7 Emporio Armani's scorer already underwent successful surgery on his left Achilles' tendon. Hairston appeared in 10 Euroleague games this season averaging 13.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists. He also added 12.5 ppg and 3.5 rpg for 8 games in SerieA. Malik Hairston joined Milano during the pre-season. He spent 2010/11 with Montepashi Siena helping them to defend the SerieA title and also to win the Italian Cup. It was his first year in Europe. From 2008 to 2010, Malik Hairston played for the San Antonio Spurs and D-League team Austin Toros. He graduated at the University of Oregon in 2008. In 2005, Hairtson played for the USA U18 National Team.

Conad Biancoblu targets Robert Hite - by Eurobasket NewsAccording to local media, Conad Biancoblu wants to sign Robert Hite (188-G-84, college: Miami, FL) for rest of the season. Reportedly, they are close to pen a deal. Hite was released by Cholet Basket yesterday. Robert Hite got injured in September and was out until mid of November. He appeared 7 times for Cholet in ProA averaging 8.4 points and 2.3 rebounds. Hite also added 8.8 ppg and 2.2 rpg for 6 EuroCup games. Robert Hite already has experience from LegaDue. He shined for Reggio Emilia in 2009/10 with 17.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 1.9 spg in 14 games. That same season he also spent some time with Montegranaro and Caserta. In the past, Hite played for Oostende, Tau Ceramica, Galatasaray and he also appeared 12 times for the Miami Heat in 2006/07 season.

Italy U16 wins Geneva Tournament - by Eurobasket NewsItaly U16 wins Torneo of Geneve with few International Junior squads. The winners started with the victory over Serbia 80:56. They led 25-13 after the first period and then improved to 49-24 at the halftime. Oliva paced all the winners with 22 points and Mussini netted 15. In the second game Italy rolled over Bern selection 83:57. It was a productive first period when the Italian Juniors produced a 32-14 lead. Moreover the board showed 55-27 at the halftime and then 72:38 after three quarters. Picarelli top-scored for the winners with 15 points and Oliva netted 12. Italy beat Ivory Coast 90:34. It was an easy start with 23-6 after the first 10 minutes and then 48-16 at the halftime. The board showed 67-21 after three quarters and then the difference reached 56 points at the end. Oliva paced all the winners with 17 points and Donzelli added 11. Italy edged Spain 71:62 with 24-12 in the first period. Spain reduced to 41:33 at the halftime and then 58-49 after three quarters. Oliva stepped up with 15 points and Andrea Spera (203-F/C-96) had 14. In the Final game Italy beat Germany 68:49. The winners starred with 18-9 and reached 30-23 at the halftime. The third quarter was decisive in the game as Italy increased to 53-34 after thirty minutes. Mussini top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Oliva notched 11.

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IVORY COAST

Ivory Coast U16 participated at Geneva Tournament - by Eurobasket NewsIvory Coast U16 participated at Geneva Tournament with few European teams. In one of them Italy beat Ivory Coast 90:34. It was an easy start with 23-6 after the first 10 minutes and then 48-16 at the halftime. The board showed 67-21 after three quarters and then the difference reached 56 points at the end. Oliva paced all the winners with 17 points and Donzelli added 11.

Granit Rugova and Drilon Hajrizi take their native city player of the year title - by Dren ShportaAfter the Basketball Federation gave the awards for the best ones, this week the municipalities had their ceremony of awarding the sportsmans of the city for 2011. In capital of Kosova, Prishtina, the sportsman of the year was selected a basketball player of Sigal Prishtina, Granit Rugova.

North from Prishtina, in Mitrovica, the municipality gave the sportsman of the year award also to a basketball player, this time it was the Trepcas alpha and omega Drilon Hajrizi (208-C).

Taking the sportsman of the year trophy in their respective cities means that basketball players are among the best sportsmans in Kosovo. Before the other municipalities give their awards, it is sure that with Granit Rugova and Drilon Hajrizi as winners in Prishtina and Mitrovica, basketball of Kosovo itself is going faster than other sports in Kosovo.

Hamilton replaces Clemons in Hoops - by Rabih KhouryHoops management and coaching staff decided to replace american scoring guard Enique Clemons after the first leg of the league. The replacement arrived on monday and he is Hamilton Vernon (183-G-84, college: Clemson). Hamilton played previously in Turkey, Latvia, NBDL, Switzerland, and some NBA preseasons. Last year he appeared in China for Tianjin where he averaged in 13 games: 26.8ppg, 8.5rpg, 4.9apg, 3.8spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 59.4%. Hamilton played his first game ion Lebanon on wednesday in Hoops loss to Anibal Zahle 87-81. Hamilton was the best scorer in the game with 28 points.

Lebanese Championship Back in Action - by Asia-Basket LebanonThe Lebanese Championship is back in action after a break for one month for the Arab Championship which was held in Qatar. In the first game of the second leg Sagesse played against Byblos , Sagesse made some changes its roster by adding 2 new foreign players , the well known Nate Johnson who moved from the Long Time rival Al Riyadi and Brandon Crump who have a big experience in the Far East Leagues, The game saw one side dominance , Sagesse imposed its rhythm throughout the 40 minutes of the game and managed to secure a very easy and important game after the disappointing first leg. Nathanel Johnson (199-F-77, college: Louisville) helped his teammates to be more involved in the game which reflected positively on their performance and made Sabah Khouri score a season high with 40 points. Nate Finished with 20 points in the game. The game saw a big blow for Byblos with big loss , Chudney Gray was injured and he will be sidelined for 1 month. Desmond Penigar was Byblos Best Scorer with 29 points. Sagesse won the game on the score of 103-81.

In the second game of the round Anibal hosted Hoops in Zahle, the two teams met in the first leg and Hoops managed to win the first game , this game especially in the first half saw a different Anibal Team who dominated all the first 2 quarters , and had comfortable lead at the half on the score of 48-30. The 2nd half saw a big comeback from Hoops who reduced the difference to 1 point in the 4th quarter through Their new signing Vernon Hamilton who finished the game as best scorer with 28 points. The game was very crucial in its last minutes but the big experience of Anibal players didnt allow Hoops to repeat their first round achievement , Anibal Won the game on he score of 87-71. Nbudy Ebi led Anibal with 23points and 9rebounds, followed by Jasmon Youngblood with 21 points. Ogushi Chamberlain from Hoops finished the game with 27points.

Lawsuit against Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon fails miserably - by Eurobasket NewsA nanny and chauffeur who lost their suit against Indiana Pacers owner Herbert Simon and his wife have lost even more.

A Los Angeles judge ordered them Wednesday to pay $122,000 in attorneys fees to the Simons.

The judge ruled in September that the employment suit was groundless, holding that the billionaire and his former beauty queen wife, Bui, were extremely generous with nanny Claudia Leite (lye-TAY) and chauffeur Robert Young.

Leite claimed she was fired because she became pregnant. The chauffeur said he was not paid for overtime and was denied rest breaks. The judge said she didnt believe much of their testimony.

Attorneys for the Simons said in court papers that the couple actually spent $1.4 million defending themselves against the suit.

Courtesy of www.indystar.com

Phoenix Suns want to push the tempo - by Eurobasket NewsThe Phoenix Suns' 85-84 loss on opening night to the New Orleans Hornets made Planet Orange's eyes bleed. A fan base accustomed to a potent offense isn't used to seeing the Suns struggle through a game with fewer than 90 points. Head coach Alvin Gentry has a solution.

'We got to become more of a running team,' said Gentry after shoot around on Wednesday. 'We're not a running team, we're a jogging team. We're not good as a jogging team; we got to find a way to manufacture easy baskets and not to have to work so hard in half-court sets.

Phoenix shot 38% from the field in half-court sets Monday night.

'We have to get back to where we've got teams on their heels,' continued Gentry. 'They're not on their heels right now they're just running back and getting themselves set.'

When most people hear the words 'running' and 'pushing the tempo' they think fastbreak points. This isn't the case with the Suns, as they are not your traditional run and gun team, which is shown by the 14 fastbreak points they had against the Hornets. The Suns averaged 13.8 fastbreak points in 2010-11.

The two differences in the Suns offense on opening night compared to last year were pace and offensive efficiency. During the 2010-11 campaign Phoenix averaged 96.8 possessions and an offensive efficiency of 107. Against the Hornets there were only 90 possessions and the Suns offensive efficiency was 93.3.

What Coach Gentry is discussing isn't getting out on the break more, he wants to attack early in the shot clock on made and missed baskets.

Plaintiffs Robert Whitsitt and Thomas Shine say they introduced investor Jason Levien to Comcast-Spectacor chairman Edward Snider at a lunch meeting late last year. They say they were promised $2 million if they found a purchaser and met certain other conditions.

New York-based leveraged buyout specialist Joshua Harris led an ownership group that completed the purchase in October. Levien, a former NBA player agent and Sacramento Kings executive, is one of numerous owners and investors in a group that includes co-managing owner David Blitzer and Hollywood power couple Will and Jada Pinkett Smith.

Whitsitt is the former president of the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trailblazers. Shine is an executive at Canton, Mass.-based Reebok International Ltd.

Comcast-Spectacor challenges the merits of their claims and plans to vigorously defend the suit, spokesman Ike Richman said.

According to the lawsuit, Comcast-Spectacor has previously rejected the plaintiffs fee demand on grounds Levien is not a controlling owner and that it paid a finders fee to someone else. The plaintiffs call that logic frivolous and say it differs from the written agreement.

The agreement, as excerpted in their lawsuit, promises a $2 million finders fee if Shine and Whitsitt find a purchaser to serve as the controlling owner, or another person designated by purchaser with the consent of club owner.

The NBA defines a controlling owner as someone with at least a 15 percent equity stake in the franchise who also manages the operations, according to the suit.

In July 2011, there was an agreement between the club owner and a purchaser (consisting in part of Jason Levien) whereby a person designated by the purchaser became the 'controlling owner of the club, the lawsuit states.

The Philadelphia Inquirer first reported Wednesday on the breach-of-contract lawsuit, which was filed a day earlier in federal court in Philadelphia. The plaintiffs are also seeking interest and legal fees.

The 76ers havent won a playoff series since 2003 and have gone years without turning a profit. Snider, who called the shots the last 15 years, told The Associated Press this year that massive financial losses led the company to strike the deal to sell the team in July.

The teams new owners have slashed ticket prices to try to fill seats and raise revenues.

Wednesday's games review (10): Wade's winning shot lifts Heat over Bobcats 96-95 - by Eurobasket NewsMemphis G. - Oklah.City T. 95-98Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) is learning to be patient if he gets off to a bad start shooting. Durant showed the new approach Wednesday night, scoring 32 points, despite missing six of his first seven shots, as the Oklahoma City Thunder remained undefeated with a 98-95 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. 'You know, I think I'm maturing as a player,' Durant said. 'Last year, if I got off to a slow start, I would have let it affect me. But I try to keep my composure and believe in myself and know I worked hard.' The shots started falling after the inaccurate start, as Durant made nine of his next 10 before converting the clinching free throws with a second left. 'I started off terrible,' Durant said. 'I thought I was going to have a really, really bad game after the first shot I took. It didn't even touch the rim. But I just stayed with it and continued to believe in myself.' James Harden (6'5''-G-89, college: Arizona St.) finished with 20 points, while Kendrick Perkins added 10 for Oklahoma City. However, point guard Russell Westbrook had an awful offensive night, finishing with only four points, all on free throws while misfiring on 13 shots from the field. He and Durant also had to be separated after shouting at each other during a second-quarter timeout, The Oklahoman reported on its website. Westbrook wasn't available for comment after the game. He made a pair of free throws with 4 seconds left before Memphis' Zach Randolph connected on a 3-pointer with 1.8 seconds remaining to cut it to 96-95. 'I think you come to expect the game to be as physical as this game was when you come to play against Memphis,' Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. 'It was a heck of a game. I thought both teams gave everything they had. .Every possession was difficult to get off a good shot because both teams were competing on that end of the floor.' Randolph finished with 24 points, while Rudy Gay scored 19 and Marc Gasol added 16 points. Each had 12 rebounds, as Memphis held a 49-41 advantage on the boards. Jeremy Pargo, filling in for point guard Mike Conley, who aggravated a left ankle injury in the game's early stages, had 15 points and seven assists, while committing only one turnover. *Courtesy of www.chron.com

Denver N. - Utah Jazz 117-100Hilario Nene (6'10''-C-82) scored 25 points, reserve Al Harrington (6'9''-F-80) had 18 points and seven rebounds, and the Denver Nuggets rolled to a 117-100 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. Ty Lawson had 15 points and Danilo Gallinari had 11 points and five rebounds for the Nuggets, who have won their first two games of the season by double digits. Al Jefferson had 19 points and rookie Alec Burks had 15 points for Utah, which was blown out for the second consecutive night. Paul Millsap and C.J. Miles scored 13 each for the Jazz. Hilario Nene played an efficient 24 minutes. He hit 10 of 13 shots, made all five of his foul shots and pulled down seven rebounds. He also sparked a decisive run in the first half that gave Denver control of the game. *Courtesy of www.kktv.com

Golde State W. - New York K. 92-78Mark Jackson didn't see much significance in coaching Golden State to a win against his former team. It was the way the Warriors beat the New York Knicks that meant the most to Jackson - doing it with a defensive focus that hasn't been seen from this franchise on a consistent basis in more than a decade. Then again, that's been Jackson's message to his players ever since he was hired in June. 'This is going to be strange to hear: We're a defensive team,' Jackson said following Golden State's 92-78 victory Wednesday night. 'It's a shocker. Great players are going to come in and have great nights, but our job is make it tough. We had a bad first half offensively, but the defense gave us a chance to win a ballgame.' Golden State definitely made it tough on New York's All-Star duo of Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) and Carmelo Anthony, who combined to go just 8 of 27 from the floor after teaming for 58 points in the Knicks' Christmas Day win over the Boston Celtics. Stoudemire finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Anthony had 13 points. 'The whole game our offense was awful,' Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said. 'We weren't in synch, we didn't make shots, we turned the ball over and we gave them layups. Whatever kind of mistakes you can make, we made. It was awful.' Monta Ellis shook off a terrible first half to finish with 22 points and eight assists, while Brandon Rush added 19 points off the bench for Golden State (2-1). Playing without injured guard Stephen Curry, the Warriors led by as much as 19 before cruising to their second straight impressive win over an Eastern Conference team. Two nights earlier they beat the Chicago Bulls 99-91. Ish Smith had 11 points, four assists and six rebounds while starting in place of Curry, who sat out the game after injuring his surgically repaired ankle against Chicago. Ellis went just 4 of 15 in the first half but scored eight straight points, including a pair of 3-pointers, midway through the fourth quarter when Golden State pulled away. But it was the Warriors' defense that made the biggest difference - a refreshing change considering the team's recent history of shunning that part of the game. 'That's our focus, defense,' Ellis said. 'Just going out there getting the job done. That's what's keeping us in the game against great teams like this. Our defense kept us in the game and the offense won the game for us.' No one else could pick up the scoring slack for the Knicks, who were also outrebounded 47-31 by the smaller but quicker Warriors. Landry Fields had 13 of his 14 points in the first half. Bill Walker also scored 14 for the Knicks, who failed in their bid to start the season with consecutive victories for the first time since 1999. Former Knick David Lee (6'9''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida) scored 13 points for Golden State (2-1). *Courtesy of www.wsj.com

Phoenix Suns - Philadelph.76 83-103Andre Iguodala (6'6''-G-84, college: Arizona) scored 15 points to lead six players in double figures and added six assists and the Philadelphia 76ers routed the Phoenix Suns 103-83 on Wednesday night. Jrue Holiday (6'3''-PG-90, college: UCLA) and Thaddeus Young also scored 15 each for the Sixers, who used a 19-0 run at the beginning of the third quarter to extend a 14-point halftime lead to 67-34 with 6:44 remaining. Ronnie Price, signed as a free agent on Dec. 13, matched a career high with 16 points, and Grant Hill and Hakim Warrick added 14 each for the Suns, who are off to a 0-2 start for the first time since 1996-97. Philadelphia needed less than 90 seconds of the third quarter to stretch a 48-34 lead at halftime to 11 at 55-34 on Spencer Hawes' steal and dunk with 10:34 to go in the period. *Courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com

Charlotte B. - Miami Heat 95-96When Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) was told he was going to take the winning shot against the Charlotte Bobcats, he nearly deferred to the hotter LeBron James (6'8''-F-84). Then Wade thought better of it. 'When (coach Erik Spoelstra) called it, I was shocked because this guy had it going on,' Wade said, pointing to James. 'I wasn't in the flow. I was about to say, 'Let LeBron run it.' Then I said, 'You know what, I'll do it.'' And he did. With James in the corner, Wade brought the ball up, drove to the left side and banked a 10-footer over Gerald Henderson with 2.9 seconds remaining Wednesday night to lift the Heat to a 96-95 victory over the pesky Bobcats to remain unbeaten at 3-0. After Wade's shot gently fell through the net, he turned to Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton seated courtside and imitated Newton's popular Superman touchdown celebration by pretending to rip open his shirt. 'It's a great homage to him,' Wade said. 'He was laughing. He was cracking up. But it was great respect to him. I wasn't trying to show nobody up. It's about how much respect we have for the athletes.' The Bobcats had a chance to steal one at the buzzer, but D.J. Augustin's 3-point attempt off a side inbounds play didn't fall and D.J. White's follow at the buzzer rolled off the rim as time expired. Wade, who missed almost the entire third quarter with a bruised foot, only had 10 points on 5 of 13 shooting. James led all scorers with 35 points, while Chris Bosh added 25. They combined for 35 second-half points to overcome a 60-45 halftime deficit. Henderson led the Bobcats with 21 points, including a 3-pointer with 12 seconds remaining to give the Bobcats the lead at 95-94. Augustin finished with 20 points, while center Boris Diaw turned in another terrific game with 16 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Detroit P. - Cleveland C. 89-105The Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons are both rebuilding, trying to make their franchises relevant in the NBA again. Cleveland looks like it might have more to work with during this lockout-shortened season. Rookie Kyrie Irving (6'3''-G-92, college: Duke) had 14 points and seven assists to help Cleveland beat Detroit 105-89 on Wednesday night, spoiling the Pistons' first home opener with new owner Tom Gores. Irving, the No. 1 pick overall, was sensational in the first half and put a damper on the party. He had 12 points on 5 of 7 shooting with five assists, three rebounds and two steals at halftime when the Cavs led by 11. The former Duke star bounced back from a six-point performance in his NBA debut, a loss to Toronto. 'In the last game, I wasn't enjoying the game,' Irving said. 'I think I wanted to be so serious. I wasn't joking around and there was no smile on my face. It's just about feeling comfortable out there.' Reserve Samardo Samuels (6'9''-F/C-89, college: Louisville) scored 17 and Ramon Sessions had 16 points off the bench for the Cavaliers, who got 15 points from Antawn Jamison and 10 points apiece from Anderson Varejao and first-round pick Tristan Thompson. *Courtesy of www.chron.com

N.Orleans H. - Boston C. 97-78Jarrett Jack's first regular-season start since the Chris Paul trade was more than good enough for the New Orleans Hornets. Jack had 21 points and nine assists in his season debut, and New Orleans dominated in its home opener, beating the winless Boston Celtics 97-78 on Wednesday night. The Celtics are 0-3 for the first time since 2006-07, the season before they traded to bring Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen (6'5''-SG-75, college: Connecticut) in to help star Paul Pierce. Pierce has yet to play this season because of a bruised right heel. The Hornets, meanwhile, were without Eric Gordon, who bruised his right knee in a season-opening win at Phoenix in which he scored a team-high 20 points. Jack did not play in the win over the Suns on Monday night because of a one-game suspension stemming from a drunken driving arrest last season. His return helped a Hornets squad looking for a boost in Gordon's absence, and power forward Carl Landry (6'7''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Purdue) pitched in with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Allen led Boston with 15 points. Jack inherited the Hornets' starting point guard job in the preseason after Paul, a four-time All-Star, was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers for Gordon, Chris Kaman, and Al-Farouq Aminu. Kaman, who had 10 points and five rebounds off the bench in his Hornets debut Monday, came back with 12 points, nine rebounds and three blocked shots against Boston. Kaman backed up Emeka Okafor, who had 13 points, six rebounds and five blocks. Marco Belinelli, who started for Gordon at shooting guard, was 3 of 4 from 3-point range and also finished with 13 points. Five of Landry's rebounds came on the offensive end, helping the Hornets outscore the Celtics 21-11 in second-chance points. Rajon Rondo scored 13 for Boston, while Louisiana native and former LSU star Brandon Bass added 11 points and Keyon Dooling 10. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

San Antonio S. - LA Clippers 115-90Emanuel Ginobili (6'6''-G-77, agency: Interperformances) scored 24 points and DeJuan Blair (6'7''-F-89, college: Pittsburgh) added 20 to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 115-90 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Blake Griffin scored 28 points for the Clippers, while Chris Paul was held to 3-of-10 shooting and finished with 10 points. Richard Jefferson added 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting for the Spurs, who have won 17 straight home games against the Clippers, a streak that dates to Jan. 31, 2002. Tony Parker scored 14 points, James Anderson 12 and Tim Duncan 10. The Spurs hit 45 of 80 shots from the field while limiting the Clippers to 29-of-74 shooting. San Antonio led by only four points at halftime but outscored Los Angeles 38-17 in the third quarter to take control. The Clippers weren't able to get closer than 19 in the fourth quarter. After a DeAndre Jordan free throw made it 98-79, Ginobili hit a 3-pointer then found Blair for a short jumper to put the Spurs up 103-79. The Spurs hit 16 of 21 shots in the third, with Parker scoring 10 on 4-of-4 shooting from the field and 2 of 2 from the free-throw line. Anderson converted a three-point play with 0.3 seconds left in the quarter to give San Antonio its biggest lead of the game - 96-71. The Spurs led 58-54 at halftime behind 16 points from Ginobili, who hit 4 of 6 attempts from 3-point range in the half. Blair added 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting and Jefferson had 10, including a pair of 3-pointers. Griffin had 16 points in the first two quarters and scored all but four of those points on either layups or dunks. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Toronto R. - Indiana P. 85-90The Indiana Pacers learned plenty about what it takes to win close games during last season's playoff loss to Chicago. Now, with David West on their side, they've got another option for those late-game situations. Danny Granger (6'8''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) scored nine of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and the Pacers held on to beat the Raptors 90-85 on Wednesday night, spoiling Toronto's home opener. Granger hit a key 3-pointer with 1:14 left and West followed with a fadeaway jumper to help stave off a Toronto rally. 'We have so many weapons down the stretch,' Granger said. 'We have so many options. I think it's going to be the mark of us being a good team. Toronto coach Dwane Casey said his defense didn't react quickly enough on either shot. 'Those two plays, with kind of hesitant rotation, really broke our back,' Casey said. West, who scored 14 points, enjoys getting the ball with the game on the line. 'If there's a play to be made, I'm just not going to back down from it,' West said. 'That's a situation I want to thrive in.' Paul George scored 18 points, and Roy Hibbert had 12 points and 10 rebounds as the Pacers improved to 2-0. Darren Collison became the fifth Pacers starter to reach double figures by making a pair of free throws with 2.5 seconds left. He finished with 10 points and 12 assists. *Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Atlanta H. - Washington W. 101-83Through two games, the Atlanta Hawks have not trailed, they've displayed impressive scoring balance and they've won in back-to-back days by a combined margin of 54 points. If the Hawks want to make their coach happy, they can add better shutdown defense to the mix. Joe Johnson led six players in double figures with 18 points and the Hawks beat the Washington Wizards 101-83 on Wednesday night. The win in the Hawks' home opener came one day after a runaway 106-70 win at New Jersey. Marvin Williams, playing with more confidence following offseason back surgery, scored 17 points and had eight rebounds. Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) had 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Alfred Horford (6'10''-F/C-86, college: Florida) added another double-double with 11 points and 10 boards. Additions to the Hawks' roster include McGrady, Jannero Pargo, Willie Green and Jerry Stackhouse, who did not play. 'We're a team that's trying to learn on the fly,' McGrady said. 'We didn't have that long of a preseason, but it seems like it's working pretty well for us.' Nick Young had 21 points and Wall added 20 for Washington, which has lost its first two games. JaVale McGee had 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Wizards. *Courtesy of www.chron.com

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NBLCANADA

Storm right back in playoff hunt - by Eurobasket NewsThe Summerside Storm is right back in the hunt for a playoff spot in the National Basketball League of Canada.

The visiting Storm defeated the Quebec Kebs 100-92 on Wednesday afternoon for their second win in a row after losing seven straight.

Both of the Storms recent wins have come on the road, including a 101-100 win in Oshawa on Dec. 22.

It was a really big win for us, said Storm head coach Joe Salerno in a phone interview. Quebec is a tough team, they are one of the top two or three teams in the league.

For us to come in here on their home floor and get a win, its big for us confidence-wise and our morale.

We almost had seven guys in double figures, said Salerno. It was a total team effort.

Hansbro was a key contributor in the win, noted Salerno.

They call him the X Factor, but I thought Xavier Hansbro really was the X Factor today (Wednesday), added Salerno. He didnt shoot the ball well (4-for-14 in field-goal attempts), but he came up with some huge rebounds late.

He had 12 boards (including seven defensive rebounds), and was a really huge part of this win.

The Storm will host the Saint Mill Rats (8-8) in an important New Years Eve game on Saturday at EastLink Arena. Game time is 7 p.m.

The Storm is chasing the Mill Rats for the fourth and final playoff spot. If the Mill Rats lose to first-place London (12-4) on Thursday and the Storm is victorious Saturday, the teams will be tied.

In Oshawa, we all said we dug ourselves a hole and our playoff push has to start right now, said Salerno.

Courtesy of www.journalpioneer.com

Drew Stratton joins Mill Rats - by Eurobasket NewsFormer Kennebecasis Valley High School star and Dalhousie Tiger, Drew Stratton (6'7''-F-85), has joined the Saint John Mill Rats and will be in uniform tomorrow night against the #1 ranked London Lightning at Harbour Station.

Stratton, a native of Quispamsis, averaged 10.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game his senior season at Dalhousie in 2008. He recently returned to Canada from a professional stint in Australia with the Northside Wizards of the Australian Basketball Association.

'Drew is a mobile forward who brings intangibles, energy, and depth to our frontline,' stated Mill Rats President and General Manager Ian McCarthy. 'I reached out to him when I saw online that he was returning from Australia - he was on our radar.'

Blalock Continues NBA Quest

Mill Rats point guard Will Blalock was waived by the Charlotte Bobcats after the preseason, but has decided to continue his dream playing in the NBA, by joining the NBA Development league in the hopes of earning a 10-day contract with an NBA club.

The Mill Rats face the #1 ranked London Lightning tomorrow night at 7pm at Harbour Station. The Lightning are led by their Head Coach and former NBA All Star Michael Ray Richardson.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Oshawa Power bring in Robert Brickey - by Eurobasket NewsRobert Brickey is being thrown right into the fire, so to speak.

Brickey, who was introduced Wednesday as the new interim head coach of the NBL Canada's Oshawa Power, will be on the sidelines Thursday as the team tries to stem a losing streak that has reached six games.

Brickey, a former player and captain with the renowned Duke Blue Devils in his native North Carolina, has seen very little of the Power to date, but knows what he wants to see during home games at the General Motors Centre Thursday and Friday.

'We've got to be tough, we've got to play hard, we've got to be smart, we've got to make better decisions passing the ball and with shot selection,' Brickey said during a press conference at the Travelodge in Oshawa. 'If you improve those two areas, you change a lot of games.'

Brickey inherits the team from Pickering's David Joseph, who filled in for the past two games after the team parted ways with Mark Strickland last week.

The Power had been right in the thick of the playoff hunt for much of the season, but the six-game slide has seen the team fall to 6-13, leaving them in sixth place in the seven-team league.

With the top four teams making the playoffs, the Power will likely need to catch both the 7-10 Summerside Storm and 8-8 Saint John Mill Rats over the final 17 games in order to accomplish that goal.

Brickey, whose lone previous head coaching job was with the Division II Shaw University in North Carolina, has had only two days of practice with the team heading into Thursday's game.

'I'll have a better idea of who can do what because sometimes guys practise better than they play and some play better than they practise, so it's hard to get a gauge on guys right now,' Brickey said when asked to assess the talent. 'I think I'll have a better idea come Friday night.'

Brickey said he would like to see the team take fewer jump shots, have more post production and create transition opportunities by playing better on defence.

In the past two games, both also at the GM Centre, the Power dropped a heart-breaking 101-100 to the Summerside Storm last Thursday, then got thumped 125-99 by the Halifax Rainmen in a Christmas Eve game. Morgan Lewis, the league's No.1 overall draft pick, returned from an injury Thursday and showed little signs of rust with 14 points, six rebounds and three assists. He added 21 points, 11 rebounds and six assists Saturday.

The Power face Moncton (2-12) Thursday and Quebec (13-7) Friday, both at 7:30 p.m.

No.6 Baylor edges No.15 Mississippi State, 54-52 - by Eurobasket NewsPierre Jackson (5'10''-G) drove for a layup with 28 seconds left and No. 6 Baylor remained undefeated with a 54-52 victory over No. 15 Mississippi State on Wednesday night.

The Bears (13-0) are off to their best start in school history.

Jackson had a game-high 14 points, the last when he drove around Dee Bost and made up for a series of mistakes only a couple of minutes earlier when Baylor still trailed.

Mississippi State (12-2), which had its 11-game winning streak snapped, had one more chance after that. But Rodney Hood lost control of the ball going up for a shot when Quincy Acy knocked it away. Jackson then swatted the ball to the other end of the court as time ran out.

The Bulldogs didn't score again after Acy was called for goaltending on a shot by Arnett Moultrie, making it 52-50 with 3:20 left.

With just under 3 minutes left, Jackson missed the front end of a 1-and-1. He then had a steal but missed the breakaway layup.

Then Jackson missed a 3-pointer from the top of the key, but Acy got knocked to the ground and Renardo Sidney was called for his fifth foul with 1:35 left and then a technical for his reaction to the call.

Quincy Miller-Scott (6'9''-F-93) made one of the free throws for the technical before Acy made a free throw to tie the game at 52.

Bost missed a shot for Mississippi State, then almost forced a turnover on the other end without being able to keep the ball in bounds.

Then came Jackson's game-winning play.

Miller had 12 points for Baylor and Brady Heslip (6'2''-G-90) had 11, all before halftime.

Jalen Steele (6'3''-G) and Sidney each had 10 points, while SEC rebounding leader Moultrie had eight points with 10 rebounds. Sidney was 5 of 6 from the field, but played only 19 minutes because of his foul problems.

The Bulldogs lost for the first time since a 68-58 setback to Akron in the second game of the season. Their winning streak included consecutive wins over Top 25 teams Texas A&M and Arizona.

Baylor played its first ranked opponent of the season, and coach Scott Drew emphatically pumped his right arm when the game ended.

Mississippi State had its biggest lead of the game when Bost had a steal that lead to a breakaway two-handed slam by Sidney for a 46-42 lead with 8:40 left.

The Bears got even at 48 on A.J. Walton's inbounds alley-oop to Perry Jones III for a dunk with just under 7 minutes left. Jones was only 4 of 13 from the field for eight points.

About a minute later, Bost made a floater in the lane for a 50-48 lead, but that was the last ball the Bulldogs actually put through the hoop since Moultrie's basket was on a goaltending call.

Heslip had three 3-pointers in the first half.

The Bears led 24-19 when Heslip hit a 3-pointer with 6 minutes left in the first half, and had another 3 1/2 minutes later that made it 34-28.

But Mississippi State scored the last five points of the half, cutting the deficit to 34-33 on a 3-pointer by Brian Bryant and a driving layup by Moultrie.

Courtesy of www.kolotv.com

Starks scores 20, No. 12 Georgetown knocks off No. 4 Louisville 71-68 - by Eurobasket NewsGeorgetown is more concerned with accumulating wins than making statements with 10 freshmen and sophomores on the roster. Sophomore Markel Starks (6'2''-G) and freshman Otto Porter (6'8''-F) made sure the Hoyas did both.

Starks scored 16 of his career-high 20 points in the second half and Porter came up clutch late as No. 12 Georgetown snapped No. 4 Louisvilles 20-game home winning streak with a 71-68 victory Wednesday night in the Big East opener for both teams.

'It was a very good, big win against a very good team in a difficult place to play', Georgetown coach John III Thompson said. We arent worrying about validation right now.

Still, it was another strong performance from a team picked 10th in the Big East. Georgetown (11-1, 1-0) built an 11-point lead before having to survive a rally to win for the ninth consecutive time.

This was their grittiest effort yet, coming from behind to build a big lead and then held on when Louisville rallied late in front of a raucous crowd.

Starks finished 7 of 8 from the field to help Georgetown take control and Porter, who had 14 points and 14 rebounds, made several key plays late that helped the Hoyas fend off the Cardinals.

When youre in the heat of the battle youre just playing in the flow of the game, shots are going to come, Starks said. Whether you make them or miss them, those are shots youve got to be able to take. I took them and they were able to fall.

Louisville (12-1, 0-1) had been one of six Division I teams that came into play Wednesday without a loss. The Cardinals held a tenuous lead through most of the first half and early into the second before the Hoyas youth movement took over.

This is very disappointing. This is our first loss at home. Its sad, Cardinals guard Chris Smith (6'2''-G-87) said.

Trailing 63-52, the Cardinals went on an 11-0 run sparked when Russ Smith hit a 3 in the corner and Siva made two key plays, including hitting a floater off the glass before Gorgui Dieng scored down low to tie the score with 2:01 left.

Porter followed up a miss by Henry Sims with a layup then grabbed a defensive rebound on the other end that led to two free throws by Sims that made it 67-63 with 1:12 left. Porter added two free throws to push the margin to six before Smith hit a 3-pointer to cut it to 69-66 with 21 seconds left.

But Porter hit two more free throws to seal it.

Nothings going through my mind, just these are tough shots, Ive got to hit these free throws and our coach just kept telling me these are clutch free throws, this is what youve been practicing, Porter said. It never crossed my mind about the crowd.

Louisville had been off to its best start since 1974-75 and its longest home winning streak since 1984 even though the Cardinals needed to rally to win their last three nonconference games and must play No. 3 Kentucky at Rupp Arena next.

Hollis Thompson, who finished with 10 points, hit a jumper and then made a 3 to put the Hoyas up 51-47 with just under 9 minutes left. As play came toward the Louisville end, referee Karl Hess assessed a technical on the Cardinals bench and Jason Clark hit both free throws to make it a six-point game.

Louisville coach Rick Pitino was adamant about the call, coming out to halfcourt to state his case and later talking to referee Jim Burr at the next media timeout.

I was telling Kyle not to go under, Pitino said. His name is Karl, he thought I was talking to him about defending screens.

After Kuric hit two free throws, Starks made consecutive 3s to give Georgetown a 59-49 lead with 6:06 left. Kuric made his fifth 3, but Sims answered with a jump hook over Dieng and then found Starks cutting down the lane for a layup that made it 63-52 with 4 minutes to play.

The Cardinals, who have rallied from deficits of seven or more nine times dating to last season, made one final push. Thats when Porter thwarted them late.

This is the Big East. Night in, night out games are going to be like that, Starks said. Rarely do you see blowout games. This was a tough Louisville team.

Melo had a career-high 12 points and school-record 10 blocks and top-ranked Syracuse stifled Seton Hall at every turn in a 75-49 victory in the Big East opener for both teams.

'I wasn't surprised,' said the 7-foot Brazilian, who is 30 pounds lighter than when he arrived on campus and in the best shape of his life. 'I've put a lot of work in. I'm still working hard to get better and I'm sure you'll see better things from me. You're going to be more surprised.'

Melo, who had his first career double-double, pulled in seven rebounds. A year ago against the Pirates, he had two points, two rebounds and no blocks in 4 minutes of a 90-68 loss.

Syracuse (14-0, 1-0) gained control in this one with a staunch defensive performance in the opening half, limiting Seton Hall to 5-of-27 shooting (18.5 percent) in building a 34-15 lead.

The Orange finished with 17 steals and 15 blocks, forced 23 turnovers, and limited the Pirates to only one steal by Fuquan Edwin, the national leader entering the game with 3.3 per game.

'I thought our defense was as good as it's been all year,' Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said. 'It was an incredible defensive effort.'

Dion Waiters (6'4''-G) had 15 points and Brandon Triche (6'4''-G-91) added 11 for Syracuse, which won easily despite a subpar performance from leading scorer Kris Joseph, who missed all six of his shots and did not score.

'That's a great team right there, man,' said Joseph, who had four steals and four assists. 'If I can go scoreless and we still win by these many points, it's a great sign.'

The victory was the 870th of Boeheim's career, putting him within six of fourth-place Adolph Rupp of Kentucky and nine of third-place North Carolina's Dean Smith on the Division I list.

Jordan Theodore had 14 points but only two assists for Seton Hall (11-2, 0-1), which had an eight-game winning streak snapped. Herb Pope, fourth in the nation in scoring at 20.3 points per game, had just four points and nine rebounds, and Edwin finished with three points all on free throws on 0-of-11 shooting.

Last January, Jeremy Hazell (6'5''-G-86, college: Seton Hall) led a long-range Seton Hall barrage with 28 points as the Pirates hit seven 3s in building a 13-point halftime lead.

The tables were turned this time.

With Hazell gone, Pope is the focus of the Pirates' attack. He has eight double-doubles, tops in the nation, and had only failed to reach double figures in scoring once, in the Pirates' win at Longwood on Friday night when he finished with eight in 29 minutes.

The Syracuse defense clamped down on the big guy, who was 2 of 9 from the field and committed six turnovers.

'I contributed too many turnovers,' Pope said. 'I didn't execute the game plan as far as getting the big kid (Melo) off his feet, going into him. I helped him have a stellar game.'

Etan Thomas held Syracuse's block record with nine. He did it three times, the last in 2000.

Syracuse leads the nation with 11.2 steals per game and a turnover margin of 8.6, and the Orange's penchant for creating mistakes was on full display in the first half. Seton Hall committed 15 turnovers and Pope led the way with five, scoring just two points on a driving dunk and missing the other five shots he attempted.

Courtesy of http://abcnews.go.com

Lamb's 23 points leads No.9 Connecticut to 60-57 win over South Florida - by Eurobasket NewsWhen much is going wrong for the University of Connecticut, the Huskies must count on Jeremy Lamb (6'5''-G/F-92) to make it right.

Lamb scored 23 points, creating his space at times, and hitting momentum-changing shots throughout, as the Huskies fought off what has become the yearly upset bid by South Florida, outlasting the Bulls 60-57 before 5,705 at St. Pete Times Forum.

Lamb is Lamb, said South Florida coach Stan Heath. When he plays like that thats what a pro looks like.

It was the start of Big East play for both teams, and it was a characteristically physical league battle. UConn, playing the first of three games without coach Jim Calhoun, who is serving an NCAA suspension, with associate head coach George Blaney filling in, clawed back from an early eight-point deficit to take its first lead just before the half.

UConn controlled the boards for most of the second half, although the Huskies struggled to take control of the game until the final minutes. Leading only 46-45 with 6 minutes, 27 seconds left, they stopped the Bulls on four consecutive possessions and opened an eight-point lead with 44 seconds left. Still, the Bulls wouldnt go away, with Toarlyn Fitzpatrick hitting his fourth three-pointer.

Victor Rudd (6'7''-F) Jr.'s three-pointer at the buzzer made the final score what it was.

Were a better team than a three-point win, said Shabazz Napier, who was 1-for-9 from the floor. No disrespect to South Florida; they have a hell of a team. Jeremy was the only one who was scoring. Imagine if we all were scoring. Thats a 10-15 point game.

This is usually the case when the Huskies and Bulls match up. Last year, the teams went to overtime at the XL Center. Any win on the road in the Big East is a good win, Blaney said.

UConn, sloppy and outrebounded 15-9 in the first half, came out with more assertiveness in the second, finishing with a 36-30 edge, although South Florida, with the front-court depth and agility to match the Huskies physically, made it a tough game to the finish.

I think Coach Calhoun addressed them at halftime, somehow, Blaney said, We talked about rebounding. He would have loved this game, because it was competitive. When you see so many guys hitting the floor for loose balls, you know the teams are getting after it.

Alex Oriakhi got into foul trouble, and Andre Drummond, although he rebounded effectively, was quiet offensively with four points. When Lamb hit a three-pointer to put the Huskies up by five with 4:43 to go, it looked like UConn was about to put together a run, but USF continued to respond.

When Napier lobbed one in for Drummond to throw down with five minutes left, the Huskies were up by three again, and a fabulous move by Lamb, driving the lane, made it 50-45. Tyler Olanders put-back gave the Huskies a seven-point lead with 2:41 left, and things began to look safe.

Lamb hit another big shot, a fall-away, to put the Huskies ahead 54-47 with 1:19 left.

It was a physical game, Lamb said. We werent getting any calls. We had to get used to it, and start playing physical with them. There are a lot of guys on this team who know what Big East play is all about.

UConn, in Calhouns absence, started off with an unusual error, assessed a technical for not having its starting lineup which included Roscoe Smith, Oriakhi, Drummond, Napier and Lamb listed in the score book 10 minutes before game time as rules require. Blaney said it was his fault.

The Huskies were held scoreless for the first 4 minutes, 11 seconds of the game, before Ryan Boatright (6'0''-G-92) hit a jumper, and they fell behind 12-4 as Fitzpatrick hit three-pointers on back-to-back trips down the floor.

The Huskies were playing smothering defense, though, and their offense gradually came to life, as they began getting the ball inside more effectively. A nice baseline move by DeAndre Daniels, who provided a spark off the bench, a jumper by Oriakhi and, finally, a three-pointer by Napier completed a 12-4 run and tied the game at 16.

Fitzpatrick hit another three as USF regained the lead. Lamb, who struggled to get seven first-half points against USFs defensive effort, scored on a strong move, drew a foul and completed the three-point play to tie the game again, 28-28, with 1:56 left in the half. Blaney called time with 36 seconds left. Napier pushed it inside to Smith, who drew the foul and hit two shots to give UConn its first lead of the night at 30-28.

They average 50 shots a game, and tonight they took exactly 50 shots, Blaney said. There arent many possessions in a game like that, and for Jeremy to score 23 was really outstanding.

Courtesy of www.therepublic.com

No. 2 Ohio State too strong for Northwestern 87-54 - by Eurobasket NewsNorthwestern coach Bill Carmody was in mid-thought when he suddenly said of Ohio State's William Buford (6'6''-G), 'I don't know if you'd call it his team but ... he's a senior, right?'

Buford had career-highs of 28 points and five 3-pointers as Ohio State showed off its perimeter shooting in an 87-54 victory over Northwestern on Wednesday night in the Big Ten opener for both teams.

'I was just shooting the ball,' said Buford, who was 9 of 14 from the field including 5 of 7 on 3-pointers. 'I was fortunate to knock them down because my teammates were setting great screens for me. They kept telling me to shoot.'

Next-to-last in the conference in 3-pointers at 4.8 per game, the Buckeyes hit seven in the first half to build a big lead and finished 10 for 20 from long range.

It wasn't just a bunch of guys firing up shots from a distance, either. Jared Sullinger added 17 points and 14 rebounds for the Buckeyes (13-1, 1-0), who dominated the boards 49-30.

Deshaun Thomas (6'7''-F) had 16 points for Ohio State, which broke the game open with a 13-0 first-half run fueled by 3-pointers. Jordan Sibert (6'4''-G) added 12 points, all on 3s.

'Thad said at the end when we shook hands, 'This was about as good as we can play,'' Carmody said, adding 'And we had a lot to do with that.'

The conference's top two scorers, John Shurna (6'9''-F-90) and Drew Crawford (6'5''-G/F-90), had miserable games. They were held to 11 and 13 points, respectively, on a combined 9-for-30 shooting.

The loss was the 31st straight for the Wildcats (10-3) in Columbus, dating to 1977.

Even when Northwestern pared what was a 19-point lead down to 12 in the second half, the Buckeyes pulled away again and Buford led the way.

He hit four free throws in a 10-3 run all the points coming at the line to push the lead to 59-39 with 11:55 left. By then, a refreshed Sullinger and point guard Aaron Craft, who sat out for several minutes due to foul trouble, were back on the court and the game was well in hand for Ohio State.

With Shurna and Crawford struggling shadowed wherever they went, taking bad shots when they did get a chance the Buckeyes took a 41-26 halftime lead.

The pace favored the Wildcats in the early going. They pulled to a tie at 13 on Davide Curletti's 3 at the 12:16 mark.

But the Buckeyes suddenly found the range behind the arc and the game teetered in their favor.

Sibert, just 8 for 31 on 3-pointers coming in, hit 3 of 4, as did Buford. Sibert's 3 ignited a 13-0 rally as the Buckeyes held the Wildcats scoreless for 4:36.

Craft had smacked Sibert's shooting hand in practice recently. Sibert said he had torn ligaments in it, but Sullinger joked that it was just 'a little bruise.'

The injury certainly didn't seem to bother him.

His four 3s and 12 points were career-highs.

'I had kind of gotten complacent in the spring and summer shooting and I didn't work as hard as I felt I needed to,' he said. So he shot 400 or 500 extra shots per night with managers chasing down rebounds.

Matta joked that Sibert's shooting is so much better with the injured hand that even if it required surgery, Sibert would have to play through the pain.

No.16 Michigan State hands No.13 Indiana its first loss with defensive virtuoso, 80-65 - by Eurobasket NewsMichigan State scored 20 consecutive points in a game of incredible scoring flurries and won its Big Ten opener Wednesday night over previously unbeaten Indiana, 80-65.

The Spartans got their running game going behind Keith Appling (6'1''-G-92), center Derrick Nix (6'9''-C-90) had another monster game and dominated vaunted IU freshman Cody Zeller (6'11''-F), and some old-style Spartans defense keyed the most important spurt of a game filled with them.

No. 16 Michigan State (12-2), after blowing an 18-point first-half lead and falling behind by as many as nine points in the second half, turned that 54-45 deficit into a 65-54 lead with a blitzkrieg fueled by defense and fast breaks.

Appling started the flurry with a three-point play, then another one on an acrobatic spinning shot after an Austin Thornton jumper. Adreian Payne scored twice on offensive rebounds, Brandon Wood dunked on the break, Payne dunked on an alley-oop pass from Appling, and four consecutive free throws made the 20-0 flurry complete.

As devastating as that scoring run was, it wasn't even the biggest of the game.

No. 13 Indiana (12-1) went on a 25-2 run, beginning late in the first half, and continuing with the first 12 points of the second half.

But the Hoosiers, who trailed 34-16 when their big rally began, expended enormous energy in the comeback. They made another move at 43-43, with an 11-2 run when the Spartans became overreliant on their jump shots.

Then, Appling got the Spartans running again, and they took control.

Appling finished with a career-high 25 points, 16 of them in the final 13:34.

Nix equaled his career-high with 14 points and played a key defensive role in limiting Zeller to a career-low four. Brandon Wood added 13 points and Draymond Green 11.

Lamar came close to becoming only the third opponent to outrebound Kentucky this season, with the count 36-36 at game's end. The Cardinals got many of what Calipari calls 50/50 balls.

'What bothered me is they had 14 offensive rebounds,' said Calipari, who added that Michael Gilchrist (6'7''-F-93) or Anthony Davis are almost the only UK players who rebound.

'We have other guys that are flinching going after balls,' the UK coach said, 'or ducking, or hoping.'

Guard Mike James (6'1''-G), a 6-foot-1 senior from Portland, Ore., led Lamar with a season-high 29 points. That eclipsed the previous high for a UK opponent this season: 22 by Tyshawn Taylor of Kansas.

Kentucky (12-1) never trailed.

The game saw the return of All-American candidate Terrence Jones, who missed the past two games because of a dislocated finger. He scored nine points and grabbed six rebounds.

'It was OK,' an underwhelmed Calipari said of Jones' return. 'But I went at him late because I didn't want to hear any excuses. I don't care that you're missing shots, missing free throws, layups. Go get balls. Go be tough.'

Before the game, Lamar Coach Pat Knight promised to leave no strategy untried.

'We'll throw everything we can at them,' Knight said in noting Kentucky's versatility. 'Hard pressure. Soft pressure. Man-to-man, zone, trap mixing it up. Doubling. Not doubling. That's the only thing you can do. You can't let them get into a rhythm.'

Knight sounded satisfied.

'We couldn't have played any harder,' Knight said. '... I thought we gave them everything we could.'

Kentucky led 44-28 at halftime. That looked good considering Lamar had lost by 20 in earlier games at Louisville and Ohio State.

As in those games, Lamar battled a taller and presumably more talented opponent. UK got outrebounded 21-18 in the first half. Lamar had 10 offensive rebounds in the first 20 minutes.

'The things I liked was in each game, we battled, played defense and rebounded with the big boys,' Knight had said on Tuesday. 'Hey, we know that. How about we shoot well one time and see what happens? That's what we'd like to get done.'

Kentucky made sure that didn't happen. UK limited Lamar to 9-for-32 shooting in the first half. Lamar's 0-for-7 inaccuracy from three-point range made the Cardinals' 0-for-19 in the last 60 minutes (0-for-12 at Ohio State on Dec. 20).

For a third straight game, Michael Gilchrist picked up two fouls inside the first 10 minutes. He picked up his second foul with 15:53 left.

'Normally when a guy gets two fouls, I will not play him the rest of the half,' Calipari said. 'The problem with this team is you need his toughness so bad.'

Kentucky scored the game's first seven points and limited Lamar to two baskets in the first eight minutes.

Jones entered the game at the 17:31 mark. He immediately got into the action by posting up for a shot within seconds.

After being curiously sluggish at Indiana on Dec. 10 and then dislocating a finger on his shooting hand a week later, Jones was busy against Lamar. His seven first-half shots led Kentucky. His five rebounds tied Davis for team high.

Yet, the first of Jones' three baskets suggested he wasn't 100 percent. He drove the left side of the lane, but shot right-handed.

The victory was not seamless.

When UK got only a rushed three-pointer with the first half's final possession, Calipari walked off the court with his hands on his hips.

The first two possessions of the second half prompted the UK coach to rush Jones back into the game. Teague's errant pass one of his six turnovers, which equalled a career high resulted in a Lamar fast-break layup.

Kentucky's next possession reaped only a hurried three-point miss by Teague to beat shot clock. That got Jones off the bench.

Alaska Anchorage, which has won seven straight to improve to 7-2, climbed two spots and is ranked 20th in this week's NABC Division II men's basketball poll.

The Seawolves are one of three West Region teams ranked in the poll. Cal Poly Pomona (6-0) is ranked eighth and Humboldt State (7-2) is ranked 16th. The top-ranked team is Metro State (Colo.).

Western Washington missed a Top 25 ranking by just one ballot point and is 26th overall.

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PBL

NW Indiana Stars name Head Coach - by Eurobasket NewsDerrick Smith (general manager/co-owner) announces that Kenneth Miller (president/co-owner) has officially taken the position of head coach. 'With fifteen years of professional basketball experience and running and coaching local AUU teams, he was a great candidate,' said Smith. With ownership in the team, he will have the passion to drive players to reach their potential.

Two key players signed this week, Howard Little (6'3''-G-87, college: Valparaiso) 6'3 guard from Valparaiso University and Keith Radchiff 6'1 guard from the University of Indianapolis.

Howard Little is a recent graduate of University of Valparaiso. He started his career as defensive specialists (eighth on the all-time Crusader steals list). In his final two seasons he average 12 points per game. 'With a combination of being a scorer and defender, his talents were essential' stated Miller.

Mr. Radchiff was a late signee during the team 2010-11 seasons. Appearing only in the last two games of the season, His accuracy around the three-point line was impressive. During mini-camp and preseason games, his ability in playing the point guard position and courts awareness was impression. In his senior season, he averaged 17ppg, 2 steals per and shooting 82% from the foul line.

The Northwest Indiana Stars first game is against Chicago Muscle on January 6. First home game is also against the Muscle on the eighth. All home games are held On the Square Sport venue, 105 N Court Crown Point, IN.

GAME PREVIEW: Glasgow Rocks vs One Health Sharks Sheffield - by Eurobasket NewsGlasgow Rocks and One Health Sharks Sheffield will both look to end 2011 with the BBL Championship points when they meet at Kelvin Hall.

A pair of heavy road losses at Worcester Wolves and UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders saw Sterling Davis (200-F-77, college: Tulane) Rocks team drop down to third in the Championship table with a 6-5 record, while Sharks made it four wins on the spin with successes against Prestige Homes MK Lions and Durham Wildcats to move up to fifth in the table with five wins from nine games.

It will be the second meeting in Glasgow this season with Rocks having recorded one of their six Championship victories this season when they handed out an 82-64 hammering in a Sky TV game in mid-November.

Rocks player-coach Sterling Davis is looking to bounce back after those losses against Wolves and Raiders: We have a little break now to regroup and get healthy so hopefully a little time away will mend wounds both mentally and physically.

Worcester was not a good game for us at all. Defensively, we were really lacking, but Kazlauskas really shot the ball well for them consistently. We also didn't match Richie Gordon's tenacity.

It was a disappointing showing in Plymouth from our guys. We knew it would be a tough place to go get a win and they showed us exactly why. I thought Jeremy Bell and Paul Williams played very solid for them.

Although his side have already recorded one comfortable win against the Sharks this season, Davis is ready for another tough game: Theyre a very good team with all the pieces you need to win games.

Nate Reinking has got invaluable experience in the lead role for them. When we played them before, I thought we did a good job defensively on the main inside threats as well as their outside threats.

Sharks captain Adrian Anderson (191-SG) has missed the last few weeks after needing surgery on a broken hand, but hes delighted with how the operation went and the form that his team-mates have shown in his absence:

Im going to have to do a lot of work with the exercise ball, but the operation went really well and the surgeon is pleased with my progress.

Ive been to all the games in the last few weeks, and Im really pleased that the signs of potential that we showed at the start of the season are being fulfilled. Were moving the ball fluidly instead of it getting stuck in someones hands and ending up with a rushed shot. Our defence has really stepped up, and thats down to our intensity in practice. If you train hard, you play hard and the level of intensity has really stepped up and that is bearing fruit.

Anderson was impressed with how the Sharks played in their wins against Lions and Wildcats: We played really well in both games. MK are very quick in transition, but we slowed that down and when we made it a half-court game they struggled. They can score in bundles, but our defence was tough and we kept Demarius Bolds under wraps which was important.

We took that performance into Durham, and it was another good display. Im pleased to go into Christmas with those two wins, but almost a little disappointed that we now have a break as we need to keep the run going.

Anderson knows what his side have to do if they are gain revenge against the Rocks: Weve got to work together as a team, play tough defence as they are a good shooting team, keep them under 80 [points] and move the ball well for 40 minutes. With no disrespect to the Rocks, if we do that, well win the game. Courtesy of: http://www.glasgowrocks.co.uk

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SERBIA

Krka returns Uros Lucic - by Eurobasket NewsUros Lucic (207-C-83) is back to Krka Novo Mesto. The 28-year-old Serbian penned a deal for rest of the season. He started it with Radnicki Kragujevac, where he had 3.5 ppg and 1.4 rpg for 8 Adriatic league games. Uros Lucuc split last season between Steaua Bucharest and OKK Beograd. He had 11.2 ppg and 5 rpg for 11 Romanian league games with Steaua. Lucic also added 8.3 ppg and 3.3 rpg for 6 games in EuroChallenge. Later he averaged about 12.5 points and 6 rebounds for OKK Beograd and Serbian league and BIBL. Uros Lucic played for Krka Novo Mesto in 2009/10 season. He registered 9.4 ppg and 4 rpg in 44 games. Lucic also has experience from Zlatorog Lasko, where he played in 2008/09.

Vladimir Vuksanovic back at Radnicki Kragujevac - by Eurobasket NewsRadnicki Kragujevac announced signing of Vladimir Vuksanovic (206-F/C-78) for rest of the season. The 33-year-old Vuksanovic played for Radnicki in 2009/10. He averaged 12.9 points and 2.3 rebounds in 14 Adtiatic league games at that time. His numbers in Serbian league were slightly lower 11 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 15 games. In 2008/09, Vuksanovic played for the Bosnian squad Igokea Partizan Aleksandrovac. Before that, he was a member of Kolossos Rhodes, Kalev Tallinn and Universitet Surgut. Vuksanovic also has experience from PAOK Thessaloniki, Khimky Moscow and Azovash. With Azovmash he won the Ukrainian league title in 2004. With the arrival of Vladimir Vuksanovic, Radnicki Kragujevac parted ways with Uros Lucic. The player already signed at Krka Novo Mesto.

Serbia U16 comes back from Geneve - by Eurobasket NewsSerbia U16 comes back from Geneve after participating at the International Tournament. Spain U16 clinched Bronze at the International Tournament in Switzerland. In the game for the third place the Spanish outfit overcame Serbia 78:63. Eduardo Rubio was named MVP of the tournament. Serbia started with 21-19 and led 12 points at the halftime. The productive second period brought them 40:28 on the board. Spain however needed a 31-10 surge to win the game and clinched Bronze. Ademas de Rodriguez top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Xavi Lopez notched 17. Grujic ended up with 15 points in the losing effort and Djokovic posted 12. Italy U16 wins Torneo of Geneve with few International Junior squads. The winners started with the victory over Serbia 80:56. They led 25-13 after the first period and then improved to 49-24 at the halftime. Oliva paced all the winners with 22 points and Mussini netted 15.

Serbia U18 and Turkey U18 play friendlies - by Eurobasket NewsSerbia U18 and Turkey U18 play friendlies in Belgrade. The teams exchanged the victories in two games.At first the hosts won 75:61. Serbia took 17-10 after the first 10 minutes and had 4-point advantage at the halftime. The second half fully belonged to the home side that added 19-16 and 20-13 victories. Nikola Milutinovic (206-C-94) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Marko Guduric (193-G-95) netted 12 and Nikola Radicevic (195-G-94) posted 11. Erloklu replied with 18 points in the losing effort.In the second game Turkey produced a 79:69 win. They started with 21-13 and led 5-points after the first half. Serbia reduced to 4 points at the end of the third quarter, while Turkey needed 20-15 in the last stanza to seal the victory. Erloklu paced all the winners with 20 points and Cedi Osman (195-PG-95) notched 19. Nikola Radicevic finished the game with 21 points for the hosts and Vasilije Pusica (190-G-95), Nikola Milutinovic and Simovic posted 10 apiece.

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SLOVAKIA

Work Never Ends!!!! - by Louis JohnsonHello World Happy Holidays to you all, I hope that everyone is enjoying the time with their families and or just a little off time to rest. Long time no talk to, since my last blog we went 4-1 throughout our 5 game stretch before we went to break. As a team we were in a pretty good rhythm competing on both ends of the court trying to play as consistent as possible. Our one loss came right before break and the loss put a bad taste in my mouth. In a long season that's the nature of the business you win some you lose some, the goal is to get better every game and prepare yourself and team for the real season, the Playoffs!!!! For me this break was needed and I'm sure for many others as well. Unlike alot of professional players I was able to go home. I used this time to refresh my batteries, soak up the positive energy of family and friends and get in the gym and try to get better. Even when we have breaks or an off season we're never really off because as professionals we have to stay ready and in decent shape. In this lifestyle of playing overseas ball jobs come calling all year round. As we are a little more than half way through the season I am looking forward to getting back to work. Not to mention we have the #1 team Nitra at home when we get back to action. That's it for now I am wishing everyone good health and prosperity in the New Year. Keep God first and keep dream chasing the work never ends... #NoDaysOff follow me on Twitter @BigLou_LJ.... As we say in Slovakia 'cau'.Best Wishes and Happy Holidays.

Work Never Ends!!!! - by Louis JohnsonHello Word.. Happy Holidays and long time no talk to. In my last blog we were headed into a 5 game stretch before Christmas break.The team has been playing in a good rhythm competing on both sides of the court and I am happy with the progress we've made since my first blog. We finished that stretch 4-1 losing our last game on the road, leaving with the bitter taste failure in our mouths.That's the nature of the business you win some you lose some, but the ultimate goal is to get better every time you step on the court. On a positive note I left without a false sense of security knowing I need to get in the gym over the break. I mentioned in prior blogs in this game you don't stay the same your getting better or your getting worse. There is never really time to rest completely, as a professional we must continue to work during breaks, in the off-season, all with the main focus of trying to get better and get to the next level by staying ready and prepared. You never know whose watching and jobs come calling all year round. #NoDaysOff...With that being said this break was really needed for many players to recharge their batteries and hopefully heal from any nagging injuries they may have been dealing with. Unlike a lot players I was able to make it home for the holidays, I am so thankful for this time. I used the time to soak up the positive energy of family and friends, eat a little home cooked American food, take a few trips to Olive Garden and just enjoy home.This was a very refreshing break and I am looking forward to getting back to live action. We open at home against the #1 Nitra and I am looking forward to competing at high level they are a very good and well coached team, it will be a fun game. That's all for me folks, remember to keep dream chasing and never stop working at whatever it is you do and keep God first. Follow me on twitter at @BigLou_LJ and we say in Slovakia Cau.. Again wishing you all happy holidays, good health and prosperity...

Best Wishes - Louie J

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SLOVENIA

Krka returns Uros Lucic - by Eurobasket NewsUros Lucic (207-C-83) is back to Krka Novo Mesto. The 28-year-old Serbian penned a deal for rest of the season. He started it with Radnicki Kragujevac, where he had 3.5 ppg and 1.4 rpg for 8 Adriatic league games. Uros Lucuc split last season between Steaua Bucharest and OKK Beograd. He had 11.2 ppg and 5 rpg for 11 Romanian league games with Steaua. Lucic also added 8.3 ppg and 3.3 rpg for 6 games in EuroChallenge. Later he averaged about 12.5 points and 6 rebounds for OKK Beograd and Serbian league and BIBL. Uros Lucic played for Krka Novo Mesto in 2009/10 season. He registered 9.4 ppg and 4 rpg in 44 games. Lucic also has experience from Zlatorog Lasko, where he played in 2008/09.

Krka land Ben Hansbrough and Jure Lalic - by Eurobasket NewsKrka followed the signing of Uros Lucic (207-C-83) with two more additions. They brought in Ben Hansbrough (190-G-87, college: Notre Dame) and Jure Lalic (212-C-86). Ben Hansbrough started the his pro career in Germany this season. The guard signed a deal with Bayern Munich. Ben Hansbrough posted 8.0 points, 2.0 boards and 1.3 assists per game in EuroCup. In Bundesliga the guard notched 5.5 points, 2.7 assists and 1.6 rebounds per appearance. Ben Hansbrough graduated from Notre Dame in 2011. He was named USBasket.com All-NCAA D1 2nd Team in 2011. Jure Lalic started the season in KK Cibona. The centre posted 2.0 points per game in Euroleague. In Adriatic League Jure Lalic averaged 4.1 points, 2.2 boards. In EuroCup his stats read 7.5 points and 1.5 boards per appearance. Krka also parted ways with Marko Djurkovic (205-F-87) and Mustafa Abdul-Hamid (188-G-88, college: UCLA).

Benson's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News27-year old power forward Rodrique Benson (207-F/C-84) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team Dongbu Promy and receives a Asia-basket.com Player of the Week award for round 33.He had a double-double of 38 points and 14 rebounds, while his team beat LG Sakers (#7, 13-18) 76-68. It allowed Dongbu Promy to consolidate first place in the South Korean league. Dongbu Promy have a solid 26-6 record. It's Benson's second year at Dongbu Promy and it's hard to imagine this team without him. University of California graduate has very impressive stats this year. Benson is in league's top in points (9th best: 20.3ppg), rebounds (4th best: 12.0rpg) and averages solid 1.2bpg and 59.3% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Herbert Hill (208-F-84) of ET Land. He is American forward in his 2nd season at ET Land. In the last game Hill recorded impressive double-double of 30 points and 17 rebounds. Bad luck as ET Land was edged by slightly higher-ranked KCC Egis (#4, 20-11) 72-68. ET Land managed to keep the same 5th spot in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 15-15 record is not bad and everything may still change. Hill is well-known at ET Land and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Aaron Haynes (201-F-81) of LG Sakers (#7). Haynes got into 30-points club by scoring exactly 30 points in the last round. He went also for eighteen rebounds . Despite Haynes' great performance LG Sakers lost 68-76 to the higher-ranked Dongbu Promy (#1, 26-6). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of LG Sakers ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 18 games, recording just thirteen victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Haynes could help LG Sakers to bring them higher in the standings. Haynes has a great season in South Korea. After 20 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 26.3ppg (2nd best), rebounds with 11.9rpg (5th best) and assists with 3.4apg (9th best). He also has 1.4bpg and FGP: 59.6%.

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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SPAIN

Spain U16 clinched Bronze - by Eurobasket NewsSpain U16 clinched Bronze at the International Tournament in Switzerland. In the game for the third place the Spanish outfit overcame Serbia 78:63. Eduardo Rubio was named MVP of the tournament. Serbia started with 21-19 and led 12 points at the halftime. The productive second period brought them 40:28 on the board. Spain however needed a 31-10 surge to win the game and clinched Bronze. Ademas de Rodriguez top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Xavi Lopez notched 17. Grujic ended up with 15 points in the losing effort and Djokovic posted 12. Earlier Italy edged Spain 71:62 with 24-12 in the first period. Spain reduced to 41:33 at the halftime and then 58-49 after three quarters. Oliva stepped up with 15 points and Andrea Spera (203-F/C-96) had 14.

Germany U18 started successfully the International tournament in Spain. The team upset the hosts of the Ciudad de Barakaldo 51:44.The German team started with 13-12, but trailed after the first half. The Spanish side won the second frame to take 24:23 at the halftime. The second half however belonged to the guests. Germany produced a 6-point win in the third victory and led 39:34 after three quarters. In the last period they improved to 7 points as they took 51:44 victory. Stefan Wess (203-F) top-scored for the winners with 10 points and Paul Zipser (195-G-94) added 8. Dominik Lockhart ended up with 7 points, while David Taylor (188-PG-95) notched 6. In another game Italy U18 will face the Baschi selection.

Shak Attack 101, Police 67Point guard Orlando Mapp had a game high 24 points as Detour Shak Attack easily defeated Police on Wednesday 21st December at the Jean Pierre Complex, Port of Spain.

For the winners, Andy Best added 21 points, Ancil Ollivierre 16, Reynold Hospedales 11, while Kenneth Roberts and national point guard Kurt Christian each tallied 10 points apiece. With the win Shak Attack remained unbeaten after three games.

Meanhwile power foward Andrew Ifill and Steve McSween contributed 15pts each whilst national team power forward added 13pts & 8rebs for Jazz. With the win Jazz improved to 3-1.

For Pacers (1-3), Al Rodney had 19pts and Junior Harper 13.

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TURKEY

Istanbulspor bringing Barber - by Sinan CanGARANTI Koza Istanbulspor reached an agreement with American big man
Korvotney Barber (201-F-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Auburn) . Division 2 club who recently brought experienced Head Coach Ahmet Kandemir to survive from bottom of the table, made another great move. Korvotney Barber graduated from Auburn at 2009 with 12.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks average on his senior year. Barber spent his first professional season at Belgium's Okapi Aalstar. Rebounding machine moved to Franech Pro B past season where he averaged 14.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.0 block per game for Hermine Nantes Atantique. Athletic big man was the top rebounder at France Pro B last year.

Serbia U18 and Turkey U18 play friendlies - by Eurobasket NewsSerbia U18 and Turkey U18 play friendlies in Belgrade. The teams exchanged the victories in two games.At first the hosts won 75:61. Serbia took 17-10 after the first 10 minutes and had 4-point advantage at the halftime. The second half fully belonged to the home side that added 19-16 and 20-13 victories. Nikola Milutinovic (206-C-94) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Marko Guduric (193-G-95) netted 12 and Nikola Radicevic (195-G-94) posted 11. Erloklu replied with 18 points in the losing effort.In the second game Turkey produced a 79:69 win. They started with 21-13 and led 5-points after the first half. Serbia reduced to 4 points at the end of the third quarter, while Turkey needed 20-15 in the last stanza to seal the victory. Erloklu paced all the winners with 20 points and Cedi Osman (195-PG-95) notched 19. Nikola Radicevic finished the game with 21 points for the hosts and Vasilije Pusica (190-G-95), Nikola Milutinovic and Simovic posted 10 apiece.

Longevity Is What We All Seek - Part 1 - by KZell WessonIt's been awhile since my last blog, and as some things changed, much has remained the same. But I'm still pushing in this career we call basketball. Before the year 2011 comes to an end, I see a few peers have decided to hang them up and retire this season. So I want to applaud Trajan Langdon, J.R. Holden, Terrell McIntyre and Larry Lewis for long successful careers in this game. It has also been a sad year after we saw the untimely passing of Robert Traylor, Chauncey Hardy and Brent Darby. Their unfortunate deaths, goes to show that nothing is certain, and we must value each day.

With that understanding, how long one plays this game is a mystery. Longevity is what we all seek, but that is not always the case. Many believe we can play forever or till the wheels fall off. Some say, as long as their bodies hold up or until there are no more checks to obtain. But one way or another, we will all exit the game at some point. You can be sure of that!

So now in my thirteenth (13th) year as a professional, I am the big brother to many players. I can see that this new generation has a lot of potential. But how long will each one be able to play the game? Only God knows. So as I begin this new blog, I ask the question. What are you doing today, to prepare you for tomorrow?

Think about it!

Until my next entry,Stay Focused---------------------------------------God Bless

On Tyrone Corbin's locker-room message: I don't know if he chewed us out. It was just a pretty frank conversation about where we're at and the things that we need to try to do to get where we want to go. I don't necessarily consider it being chewed out; I think he was pretty fair about it. Anytime you're 0-2 and you got beat the way we got beat the last two nights, it's time to evaluate some things.

Trust and communication issues not going away: It's a big part of it. It's a team sport, so you've got to trust in one another at both ends of the court 100 percent. When you don't do that, it's a chink in the armor. Some teams are good enough to get by with that, they're just talented enough. When you have a team that's not talented enough to do that that's not a knock on us, that's just who we are; we can't get away without trusting. You have to do what you're supposed to do every play. If you shouldn't do what you're supposed to do, that's OK if it's an accident. But you have to be trying and willing to do the right thing. If you're not, then it's a chink in our armor. And we're not good enough to have self-inflicted chinks in our armor.

What it feels like on the court: There's definitely a lost feeling out there. We're trying to figure out who we have to be to get a win, so I think we are a bit lost out there. Tonight I'm sure that our effort wasn't great at times, but I guess it's a combination of the two.

Happy New Year!!! - by Michael LeeHello everyone the end of the year always signifies the halfway point for me the past few seasons. The season is truly a marathon and not a sprint so I always try to use the new year as a refresher or second wind to get ready for the second half of the season. I have had an unexpected break given that I suffered an injury in practice so I have been unable to practice or play the last 3 games. Even though I have been out I try to take the positive out of this minor setback which has given me time to recover from my injury as well as regain my mental focus. Basketball is as much mental as it is physical and everyone needs a little time away from the game. This time of year is always considered the dog days of the season where everyone is fatigued and games are starting to wear on the body. So a small break comes in handy big time whether is Christmas break or just a few days off from the game. As far as our season in my last post we were preparing for a big game against Hapoel in Israel. We were able to get a huge victory on the road and qualify for top 16 in Eurocup which was a huge team goal. On a side note Israel is one of the most beautiful countries that I have had the pleasure of traveling to and I eventually want to go back someday. I'm excited to finally get back on the court tomorrow being a competitor and loving to play the game of basketball sitting on the side is never fun for me. Injuries are a rare thing for me so when I do actually have to sit out I try to do all I can to get back on the court as quickly as possible. As 2011 comes to an end I'm going into the new year focused and ready for second half of the season I just want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!!!! and stay focused. Not everyone has the ability to play basketball and travel the world so never take it for granted because someday it will all be over.

God Bless, Michael Lee

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UNITED KINGDOM

Eagles Fly In To Semi's - by Jeff KingThe Newcastle Eagles qualified for the semi-finals of the Basketball Days Tournament in Zwolle, Holland after an 84 - 77 win over the Nigerian National Team last night. The Eagles had lost their first group game to Kazakhstan outfit Barsy Atyrau by 93 - 84 whilst the Asian's had also lost their first game 87 - 75 to Nigeria. This meant that all three teams in the group had one win each and the end result was that on points difference The Nigerians won the group with The Eagles finishing runners-up by a single point.

Newcastle had been disappointing in their first game against Barsy and never looked like winning the game following a sub-par performance where they trailed for much of the game and tiredness set in during the final quarter when the Kazakhstan side managed to pull away. Barsy had led by double digits in the second quarter before an Eagles run of 18 - 4 had pulled the game back in their favour.

However a combination of a 10-day gap between games, no time to practice and a long journey which started early in the morning took its toll in the second half and Barsy were able to take advantage. Ukranian point guard Pavlo Tsiopych (182-G-86) was in fine form throughout the game and ran the show whilst fellow Ukrainian Sergei Sabutskyy (209-C-86) and Kazakhstan national Mikhail Evstigneev (202-F/C-84) were dominant inside.

The Eagles battled manfully but could get no closer than nine points in the end as the efforts of Andrew Thomson (205-F-84, college: Catawba), Charles Smith (198-F-75, college: Rider) and Darius Defoe were not supported well enough from the rest of the roster. Thomson in particular had a fine game but point guard Paul Gause (180-G-86, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: Seton Hall) just returning from injury looked rusty and out of step and that was one of the crucial differences between the two sides.

Last night saw a diferent Eagles team turn up and gain the seven-point win required to take them through to the semi-finals. There was a better togetherness about the team and a much more even spread of scoring although once again Andrew Thomson and Charles Smith led the way, there was also double figure contributions from Paul Gause, Andrew Bridge (193-F-79) and a great rebounding and battling defensive display from Darius Defoe.

Nigeria jumped out to an early lead but Newcastle pegged them back and entered the second quarter down only 22 - 21. Nigeria's Nedu Onyeuku once again leading his team following his 30 point display against Barsy in their opening game. Onyeuku's main support came from power forward Enzinwa Ukeagu and smart point guard Adeola Dagunduro.

In the second quarter Thomson, Smith and Gause in particular were in fine form for Newcastle as the cranked the notch up on D and moved in to a 47 - 30 lead before Dagunduro's triple from way down town on the buzzer cut the gap to 47 - 33 at the break. Eagles had to go in to the gaEme without Player-Coach Fabulous Flournoy on-court as he was suffering from a groin strain. This was further compounded when Joe Chapman who had picked up a knock in the first half was unable to complete the game.

Nigeria sensed an opportunity as Newcastle's thin roster and tired legs started slowing them down. The Nigerians closed the gap steadily despite Thomson and went in to the final quarter only 6 points down at 66 - 60. They continued this fine form in to the final stanza and twice got within one point of the Eagles. However, Newcastle didn't panic, dug in deep and launched one last effort.

They were five points up with 5.5 seconds to go when Gause took a huge charge to stop the clock and give Newcastle one final opportunity. The ball was inbounded to Thomson and as the Nigerians were drawn in to him, he saw Defoe cut to the basket and found him with the perfect pass giving the forward enough time and room to lay-in the crucial basket that took his side through to the semi-final stage.

UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders moved up into fifth spot in the BBL Championship after their superior strength in depth helped cage the Tigers during the last 15 minutes of the contest to seal an important 102-82 success.

There was little to separate both teams in an entertaining opening half which saw plenty of lead changes and both sides struggling to make a decisive run to break the game open.

It was the visiting team who found themselves in front at the end of the first quarter with a slender 23-22 advantage having shown their intent to shoot the ball from downtown right from the outset.

Thankfully for Tigers coach Tony Garbelotto, they managed to do so with Myles Hesson drilling home 3 of 4 attempts in the first 20 minutes with one of those putting his team into a surprise 29-22 lead early in the second quarter.

It fired a real warning to the hosts who visibly picked up their game sensing they couldnt allow the visitors to further enhance their advantage. Raiders tightened up defensively and it made a big difference as they held Tigers to just seven points in almost eight minutes ahead of the interval.

Led by Jeremy Bell and Paul Williams (208-F/C-83, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: St.Bonaventure) they completed a ten point turnaround in the period, outscoring their opponent 17-6 on a run which handed them a 39-36 advantage heading for the locker rooms.

There was a sense of dj vu for fans inside the Pavilions at the start of the second half as Hesson made yet another triple to tie the game up within seven seconds of the restart.

Raiders then looked to have made their bid to move clear with a 12-4 burst to re-establish control at 51-43. However the visitors refused to lie down and stunned home fans when they poured in 13 quick-fire points with David Aliu putting Tigers 56-55 in front.

It was to be a false dawn and the superior size and depth of the home team proved important as they finished with 12 of the last 15 points in the quarter to take a 67-59 lead into the last ten minutes.

As hard as they tried, Tigers couldnt recover as Raiders eased to another important BBL Championship success with six players making double digits.

Frontcourt duo Anthony Rowe and Paul Williams (208-F/C-83, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: St.Bonaventure) were the pick of the bunch. The pair finished well around the hoop with Williams just missing out on a double-double by one rebound.

Myles Hesson was the standout for the losing team after finishing with 23 points courtesy of some terrific perimeter shooting which saw him make five of his six attempts.

Rampant Riders Roll Over Wolves In Worcester - by Paul NilsenThe Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders saw out 2011 with a crucial 75-99 defeat of top four rivals Worcester Wolves on the road, inflicting a first home league defeat of the season on the Wolves and halting a run of consecutive away losses for themselves. The win sees the Riders leap-frog the Glasgow Rocks into third place in the BBL Championship.

The Riders effectively won the game with a startling 18-point swing in the space of five minutes in the third quarter; they were inspired by Cameron Rundles (185-PG-88, college: Wofford) who scored 16 of his 29 points in the third, adding 11 rebounds and 5 assists, while Bradd Wierzbicki scored 23.

The Riders had gone 18 days without seeing action, and it was 11 for the Wolves, but neither side showed much rust in a high-scoring encounter one that the Wolves controlled in the first half. Sherrad Prezzie-Blue got the scoring underway with a triple as Riders committed two early turnovers before Rundles got them going with their first score, two minutes in. Richie Gordon added three points and a triple from Arnas Kazlauskas saw the Wolves up 11-6 with four minutes played. Five straight points from Wierzbicki tied the game and, although the Riders couldn't get in front after Tommy Freeman's three-pointer, the teams remained close, tied at 13 and 20, before the hosts led 27-23 at the first quarter buzzer helped by another Prezzie-Blue triple.

And the Wolves pushed on steadily in the second stanza, edging their lead out to eight points at 37-29 on another Prezzie-Blue score after three minutes. Despite the visitors narrowing the deficit to three points on Wierzbicki's triple midway through the period, the Wolves responded with an 8-0 burst, holding the Riders scoreless for four minutes while Kazlauskas made 6 points, for a double-digit lead at 45-34. But a pair of late three-pointers from Wierzbicki kept the Riders in touch at 45-40 at the half.

The third quarter started in a slower fashion, providing few clues for what would come, as the Riders maintained their push and got back to within one at 47-46 on Ayron Hardy's dunk, only for the Wolves to respond with five points, including a Callum Jones triple. From that point Rundles took over and gave the Riders their first lead of the game, and one that they would hold for the remainder. His two three-pointers lit up a 12-0 burst to make the score 52-58, before he made three further scores soon after to give the Riders a double-figure lead of their own at 54-66 heading into the fourth quarter after a five-minute eighteen-point swing. Rundles had an amazing 16 points in the third, a quarter that his team won 26-9.

The Riders only pushed on in the fourth quarter, with Rundles scoring two more three-pointers in the early exchanges to dampen any hope of a comeback among the home fans. The lead peaked at the final score as the Riders scored 33 fourth quarter points.

Hardy Heads BBL Team Of The Week Race - by Paul NilsenAfter 12 weeks of action, the race to finish with the most BBL Team Of The Week appearances this season is in full swing with Ayron Hardy (195-F-88, college: Jacksonville) leading the way.

The versatile Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders wingman is out in front having secured a superb six appearances to date with his name appearing in our line-up every other week since the season tipped-off in late September.

His regular inclusion highlights the huge impact the BBL rookie has had since arriving at Riders and his form has already been further acknowledged by way of a Molten BBL Player Of The Month award.

Two players trying to chase him down and with four appearances to their respective names are Justin Dobbins and Mychal Green who will go up against each other this weekend.

One Health Sharks Sheffield big man Justin Dobbins enjoyed a fantastic start to the new campaign when he racked up an amazing hat-trick by grabbing a spot in our starting five during each of the first three weeks of the season.

And, after a lengthy gap of several weeks, Dobbins finally broke his barren spell recently with another appearance to move to four appearances and into joint second place in the race to the top of the podium.

Mychal Green meanwhile has been a revelation after a quiet start to his first BBL season with Glasgow Rocks. When backcourt partner EJ Harrison went down, the guard exploded into life with a string of impressive displays which also led to him receiving a Molten BBL Player Of The Month accolade.

There are also a bunch of players in the chasing pack who have all racked up three appearances each.

Should any one of them find some red-hot form early in 2012, then the dynamic of the race could change and leader of the field Ayron Hardy may have more contenders breathing down his neck.

The pack includes Worcester Wolves duo Sherrad Prezzie-Blue and Richie Gordon who have both been instrumental in their team being in the thick of the BBL Championship title race and they will no doubt enjoy some locker room banter with something of an internal competition taking place.

Demarius Bolds looks to be the key to an upturn in fortune for Prestige Homes MK Lions heading into the New Year and he is certainly a player you can expect to see more in future line-ups due to his all-action style.

Last but not least, Hardy will be keeping one eye on his Riders team-mate Cameron Rundles who has some way to go to catch him up but will no doubt love trying and the pair pushing each other to perform can only be good for Rob Patenostro and his exciting side.

Astana Tigers claim Kazakh Cup title - by Eurobasket NewsAstana Tigers clinched the title at the Kazakhstan Cup tournament. They overcame Irtysh Pavlodar 83:76 in the title game. Astana Tigers dominated throughout the tournament. They overcame Okzhetpes in the preliminary round and faced BK Almaty in the semis. The Tigers proved the strength claiming a 91:68 victory. Irtysh in the meantime celebrated a 70:66 win over Okzhetpes in another semifinal clash. The title battle was a tough one with Astana Tigers snatching a narrow win at the end. Anastassiya Alishauskaite (170-G-88) was named the tournaments MVP. Tamara Seregina (182-F-90) was trumped the Best Forward. Elena Staschuk (192-C-85) claimed the Best Centre award, while Ekaterina Karnova (165-G-87) from Okzhetpes was the named the Best Guard.

Hawaii held off a scrappy Alcorn State team to open the Pepsi Rainbow Wahine Invitational with 66-63 win Wednesday. With the victory, the Rainbow Wahine improve to 5-8 on the season.

Senior forward Breanna Arbuckle (6'0''-F) led a trio of UH players who scored in double-figures while sophomore forward Kamilah Jackson had a game-high 10 rebounds on Wednesday night at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Arbuckle scored a team-high 17 points, 10 of which came in the second half. She sank three crucial free throws and had one of her three blocks in the final three minutes of the game to help lift UH over the Braves. Arbuckle went to the free throw line eight times and drilled a career-high 13-out-of-15 foul shots. She also contributed six rebounds and tied her career-high with five assists.

Joining Arbuckle in the double-digit points club were Vicky Tagalicod and Kanisha Bello. Tagalicod, who is in just her second week of action, was one rebound short of recording her first double-double as she tallied season-highs of 14 points and nine rebounds. She went 6-of-13 from the floor and 2-of-4 from the charity stripe. Bello posted 13 points on 3-of-6 shooting with one three-pointer while going a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. She chipped in a career-high six rebounds. Freshman point guard Alissa Campanero tied her career-high with six assists, but also had six turnovers in 38 minutes of action.Jackson had her five-game double-double streak come to a close as she was just one point shy of getting her sixth in a row. She scored nine points to go with her 10 rebounds with an assist and a steal.

As a team, the Rainbow Wahine shot 43 percent (20-of-47) from the field and 76 percent from the free throw line (25-of-33), and won the rebounding battle 42-39.

With the game coming down to the wire, Tagalicod's jumper with 3:23 left tied the game again at 61-61 and a foul shot by Arbuckle gave UH the lead again, 62-61. Alcorn State see-sawed ahead with 1:41 left on a jumper by Shamika Breedlove to make it 62-63. But Arbuckle and Bello both sank pressure two free-throws a piece to seal UH's fourth win in five games.

Courtesy WAC

Cleveland State University Defeats Lake Erie 62 to 48 - by Vance MarburyCleveland State Freshman Cori Coleman scored a career-high 14 points, with 13 coming in the second half, as the Cleveland State women's basketball team earned a 62-48 victory over Lake Erie Wednesday evening.

Lake Erie full court pressure created problems for Cleveland State. Lake Erie looked to be the team with more energy and desire to win. But at the 6:00 mark in the second half after Lake Erie cut a 13 pt deficit to 1 pt, Shaloda Winton seem to provide a spark that the rest of the Cleveland State Laides used to catapult them to a 14 point victory

Massengale hit back-to-back 3s in the span of 28 seconds during a 14-2 run that gave Tennessee control of the game. The Lady Vols took a commanding 50-20 halftime lead against Old Dominion on 50 percent shooting while committing just two turnovers in the first half.

The Lady Monarchs shot just 25 percent before the break.

Jackie Cook (6'0''-G) scored 13 to lead Old Dominion (3-10), which has dropped 16 straight in the longtime series with Tennessee.

Middle Tennessee (9-5) had chances to pull off big wins already this season only to blow leads against No. 12 Penn State, Arkansas and Georgia Tech. This time, the Blue Raiders matched their biggest victory ever over a ranked team going back to 1977 and an 80-78 win over No. 6 Tennessee Tech.

'We've learned from previous games, and I feel like we knew we could've beat Penn State,' Blue Raiders guard Kortni Jones (5'9''-G) said. 'We felt like we could've beat Arkansas. You look back at those films, it kind of makes your heart ache a little bit. We could've been in the Top 25 rankings. Tonight Ebony made a statement we've given away too many. Tonight, we're going to have take this one home.'

That they did against the only ranked opponent to visit this season, grabbing the lead with 10:42 left in the first half before leading by as much as 17 three times. Middle Tennessee coach Rick Insell said his Blue Raiders had been working on being mentally tougher, and it showed most at the free throw line where they went 19 of 22.

'It's a big win for our program. It's something that could possibly help us at the end of the season.'

This meant plenty to Rowe, a native of Lexington, Ky.

'Nice is an understatement,' Rowe said. 'I wanted it not just for me because it's my hometown but my team because we've worked so hard. We've had some frustrating losses this year and people were down on us a little bit. We stuck together. We know we have a good team. This win, we can only go further from here. We can build on it. I'm excited to see what we do next.'

For Kentucky, it's the second loss in three games. The Wildcats (11-2) shot a season-low 32.8 percent from the floor and were just 2 of 18 from 3-point range. A'dia Mathies, the Wildcats' leading scorer averaging 16.1 points per game, scored eight. Bria Goss led Kentucky with 12.

'I thought our effort was not up to the level of Middle Tennessee's over the 40-minute period,' Kentucky coach Matthew Mitchell said. 'Clearly, we had some very good moments of effort out there when we were causing trouble in our full-court press. I told the team you don't get any credit for past results. You have to do it every night.'

The Wildcats had just moved up two spots in the Top 25 this week to their highest ranking since the 1982-83 season.

But they had their own problems. They turned the ball over 18 times in the first 20 minutes alone. They shot only 28 percent (7 of 25) from the floor and missed eight of nine attempts beyond the arc. Goss said the Wildcats can't get down when they start slow.

Middle Tennessee missed its first seven shots. The Blue Raiders nearly matched Kentucky with 16 turnovers in the first half, but they managed to outscore the Wildcats 15-7 off the turnovers in leading 37-22 at halftime.

Kentucky led only twice, the last at 4-3 on a bucket by Goss, and tied it at 9-all on a 3-pointer by Keyla Snowden from the top of the key.

Elie put Middle Tennessee ahead for good with a layup at 10:42 left. Shanice Cason started a 19-5 run with a pair of free throws with Cason and Jones each hitting 3-pointers before Jones capped the spurt with a three-point play that put Middle Tennessee up 37-20 with 29.3 seconds left.

Kentucky got within five twice, the last on a jumper by Azia Bishop at 53-48 with 5:42 left. Rowe scored on a layup, then hit a pair of free throws. Middle Tennessee put the game away when Rowe hit a free throw, then missed the second with 4:28 left. Cason go the rebound, tossed it to Jones, who immediately sank a 3 to push it back to double digits for good.

In their first game since a 25-point loss at No. 15 Georgetown on Dec. 21, the Hurricanes broke the game open with an 18-2 run midway through the first half. Stefanie Yderstrom (5'8''-G-90) 's second of two 3-pointers capped the spurt and gave Miami a 36-17 lead with 3:47 remaining.

During the run, Miami held Holy Cross without a field goal for 8:39 until Brisje Malone's jumper with 3:13 left in the half.

'My team answered the call,' Miami coach Katie Meier said. 'We're fixers and you'll notice the record here, we fix it right away. To wait seven days and not being able to fix it right away was frustrating for us.'

Yderstrom and Shenise Johnson (5'11''-G-90) each finished with 17 points for the Hurricanes (10-2). Johnson also had 10 rebounds and seven assists, and extended her consecutive games double-figure scoring to 83.

'None of us had fun in D.C, we didn't smile, we didn't talk, we didn't communicate,' Johnson said. 'Tonight, it was a different spirit out there.'

Williams' third 3-pointer of the first half with 37 seconds remaining gave the Hurricanes a 47-22 lead at halftime, surpassing Miami's point total in the 71-46 loss against the Hoyas.

Miami outscored Holy Cross 20-6 in the first 6:02 of the second half and built a 67-28 lead. Sylvia Bullock's layup with 9:40 remaining gave the Hurricanes their first 40-point lead at 73-32.

The Crusaders stayed within striking distance of Miami in the first eight minutes of the first half. Smith's 3-pointer with 11:52 remaining kept Holy Cross within a three-point deficit at 18-15 before the Hurricanes went on their game-deciding run.

The Hurricanes won their 31st consecutive home game and will face Virginia Commonwealth on Thursday for the tournament championship. The Rams advanced to the final with a 73-52 win over Morgan State earlier Wednesday.

Courtesy of www.chron.com

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POLAND - Women

INEA AZS Poznan signs new coach - by Lukasz LukaszewskiKrzysztof Szewczyk resigned from coaching Inea AZS Poznan due to family problems. He had been working in Poznan for 1,5 years. Management of the club decided to give a chance for Ryszard Baranski. He do not have much experience. Since two years he have been working in INEA AZS Poznan as a coach of junior groups.

Inea AZS Poznan lost all 14 league games, but probably club will not sign any new players.

Natalia Mrozinska is the former player of Inea AZS Poznan, she have been playing there for 6 seasons. In 2010 she moved to Artego Bydgoszcz She started this season in Bydgoszcz, but in December club released her. In 30 league games of 2010/2011 season she averaged 9,4 points and 6 rebounds. She was in Poland NT in 2005.

Follow me on Twitter:

@ljlukaszewski

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SERBIA - Women

Serbian National Team wins the home Memorial - by Eurobasket NewsSerbian National Team -Women League Team 99:66

Serbian National Team wins Gordan Bogojevic Kovacevic Memorial. The team overcame Women League Team 99:66.The national team players scored 39 points in the first period to lead by 20 points after 10 minutes. The collection of the Women League players replied with 19-11 in the second period to reduce to 12 at the halftime. The second half however proved the difference between two squads. Serbian National Team produced a 25-17 in the third quarter and finished with 24-11 in the last. Ana Dabovic (183-G/F-89) erupted with 29 points to be named MVP of the game. Maksimovic and Jelena Milovanovic (190-F-89) netted 14 each, while Milica Dabovic (175-PG-82) scored 12. Ana Niksic (181-F-91) replied with 11 points in the losing effort, while Dunja Prcic (181-G-87) and Hajdana Radunovic (192-C-78) added 8 each. Ivanovic scored 7 and Aleksandra Crvendakic (187-C/F-96) netted 5.

Sin's double-double lands her Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News31-year old power forward Jung Ja Sin (185-F/C-80) put on an amazing game in the last round for second-ranked Winnus and receives a Asia-basket.com Player of the Week award for round 22.She had a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds, while her team edged out Woori Hansae (#6, 4-18) 62-59. Winnus maintains the 2nd position in South Korean WKBL. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Winnus will need more victories to improve their 14-8 record. It's Sin's second year at Winnus and it's hard to imagine this team without her. Sin has impressive league stats. She leads league in rebounds with 12.9rpg. Sin is in league's top in assists (5th best: 4.1apg) and averages solid 1.2bpg and 51.3% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Sun-Hwa Jung (184-C/F-85) of KB Stars. She is international in her 3rd season at KB Stars. In the last game Jung recorded impressive double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Of course KB Stars cruised to a 75-66 relatively comfortable win over slightly higher-ranked Bichumi (#3, 12-10). It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. KB Stars consolidated its place in top 4 of the standings. Her team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 10-12 record. Jung is one of the most experienced players at KB Stars and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. She belongs to the best scorers in the league with 10.9ppg (#2). She also registered 6.9 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to another KB Stars' star - center Sun-Min Jung (185-C-74). Jung scored 21 points. She was another key player of KB Stars, helping her team with a 75-66 win against #3 ranked Bichumi. The chances of KB Stars ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 12 games, recording just ten victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Jung could help KB Stars to bring them higher in the standings. Jung has a great season in South Korea. After 22 games, she made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 16.3ppg (2nd best) and rebounds with 5.5rpg (4th best).

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Damligan Round 14 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket NewsCoincidentally all hosts won their games.

The game in Visby was quite interesting. 6th ranked 08 Stockholm (6-8) played at the court of seventh ranked Visby Ladies (6-7). Visby Ladies defeated 08 Stockholm 83-73 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 83-73. American guard Jeannie Saunders (173-86, college: Salem Intern.) scored 28 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import swingman Ashleigh Brown (183-87, college: Miami, OH) chipped in 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Guard Nathalie Fontaine (183-93) responded with 22 points. Visby Ladies have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to sixth place. 08 Stockholm lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with eight games lost. Visby Ladies are looking forward to face Norrkoping Dolphins (#8) on the road in the next round. 08 Stockholm will play against the league's second-placed Telge and is hoping to win this game.

In the last game of round 14 Sallen lost to Telge on the opponent's court 56-65.

Rather expected game when 5th ranked Sallen (8-6) was defeated on the road by second ranked Telge (13-1) 65-56 on Wednesday. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 21-6. But Sallen won third quarter 21-7. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Telge dominated on the defensive end, holding Sallen to just 6 points in first quarter. They made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Sallen 51-39 including a 36-25 advantage in defensive rebounds. Forward Binta Drammeh (180-92) scored 6 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and center Amanda Zahui (190-93) chipped in 15 points and 12 rebounds during the contest. International guard Agnes Nordstrom (181-88) responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists and Colombian guard Erika Valek (168-82, college: Purdue) scored 17 points and 5 assists. Sallen's coach Jenny Hakanson rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Telge have an impressive six-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains second position with 13-1 record behind leader Northland. Sallen lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with six games lost. Telge are looking forward to face 08 Stockholm (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Sallen will play against Jarfalla in Stockholm and is hoping to prove to their fans that they can break losing series. Top scorers:Telge: A.Zahui 15+12reb, J.Kucukkaya 15+5reb+5ast, B.Thomas 11+7reb+4ast, S.Kabengano 8+5reb+5ast, B.Drammeh 6+17reb+4ast, U.Holmqvist 6+2rebSallen: A.Nordstrom 18+13reb+5ast, E.Valek 17+4reb+5ast, K.Tattersdill 10+4reb, F.Nekmouche 4+6reb+2ast, S.Hansson 3+1reb, C.Fagerberg 2+2reb

The game in Visby was quite interesting. 6th ranked 08 Stockholm (6-8) played at the court of seventh ranked Visby Ladies (6-7). Visby Ladies defeated 08 Stockholm 83-73 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 83-73. American guard Jeannie Saunders (173-86, college: Salem Intern.) scored 28 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import swingman Ashleigh Brown (183-87, college: Miami, OH) chipped in 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Guard Nathalie Fontaine (183-93) responded with 22 points and Canadian center Leanne Evans (191-86) scored 13 points and 9 rebounds. Four 08 Stockholm players scored in double figures. Visby Ladies have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to sixth place. 08 Stockholm lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with eight games lost. Visby Ladies are looking forward to face Norrkoping Dolphins (#8) on the road in the next round. 08 Stockholm will play against the league's second-placed Telge and is hoping to win this game. Top scorers:Visby: J.Saunders 28+8reb+4ast, A.Brown 15+6reb+4ast, M.Soderberg 14+3reb+4ast, J.Loob 8+7reb+2ast, H.Munthe-Gottberg 7+1reb, M.Wallin 7+2reb+1ast08: N.Fontaine 22+3reb, L.Evans 13+9reb+2ast, A.Stoltz 12+2reb+1ast, A.Asoro 11+2reb+1ast, H.Rutberg 9+2reb+2ast, N.Risto 6+7reb+1ast

gschID: 151554

Telge invites LaTangela Atkinson for try-out - by Eurobasket NewsTelge invites LaTangela Atkinson (188-G/F-84, college: N.Carolina) for try-out. The American player is expected to arrive on January 2, primarily on a two-week try-out contract.In 2002-2003 she started for N.Carolina (NCAA) and in the last season averaged 9.1ppg, 6.6rpg, 3.1apg, 1.6spg, FG: 55.3%, 3PT: 20.6%. In 2006 she moved to Indiana Fever (WNBA): and had 3.0ppg, 2.3rpg. In 2006-2007 she moved to Raanana Herzeliya (Israel-D1) and after 11 games showed high 17.4ppg, Reb-1 (12.5rpg), 2.7apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 60.7%.In Jan.'08 signed at Elitzur Maclaren Holon (Israel-D1, starting five) and had19.3ppg, 11.5rpg, 2.2apg, 1.2spg, 1.0bpg, 2FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 65.2%. She also played at Bnei Yehuda (D1) and showed 20.8ppg, Reb-5 (9.6rpg), 1.2apg, 1.2spgIn 2008-2009 moved to Utex Row Rybnik (Poland-PLKK, starting five) and in 2009 played for Seattle Storm (WNBA). In 2010 appeared for Indias de Mayaguez (Puerto Rico-LSF, starting five) and in 9 games averaged 15.1ppg, Reb-2 (15.4rpg), 3.9apg, 1.6spg. In Jan.'11 signed at Norrkoping Dolphins (Sweden-Damligan, starting five) and after 13 games her stats read 15.8ppg, Reb-1 (11.2rpg), 2.0apg, Steals-5 (2.9spg), Blocks-5 (1.0bpg), FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 21.7%, FT: 70.7%.

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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - Women

Police detain Court Horizon! - by Albert-Lee YoungNational team player Rhonda John-Davis led Police with another impressive display, 24pts & 9 rebs, in a 61-51 win over defending champions Courts Horizon in the Women Division of the Mackerson Super 10 Basketball League on Tuesday 20 December.

Kielle Connelly added a double-double, 12pts & 13rebs, for Police which trailed 9-16 at the end of the first quarter.

National team point guard Jowan Ortega led Horizon with 18pts & 9rebs while national centre Rachael King tallied 15pts & 5 rebs in a losing effort.

Stats leaders - by Eurobasket NewsOlga Maznichenko (187-F-91, agency: LBM Management) leads the top-scorers of the League with 24.6 points per game. She recorded 35 points in the game versus Akatsiya when her Tim-Skuf celebrated 114:43 victory. Alina Iagupova (181-G-92, agency: LBM Management) is second with 23.6 points per game, while Yevtushenko is third averaging 18.6 points per game. Arina Markotenko (170-G-89) leads all Assists section with 4.6 per game. She recorded 7 assists twice in the season, once against Tim-Skuf and once versus Frankivsk. Natalia Kolotovska (175-G-90) is second with 4.5 per game, while Cekova has 4.3 on the third position. Ganna Zarytska (182-F-86, agency: Data Plus Group) is the top Rebounder in the League with 10.0 per game. The player from Regina recorded 12 rebounds twice during the season. In her top game she collected 22 points and 12 rebounds as Regina edged Akatsiya 74:57. Olga Maznichenko is second with 9.4 per game and Yevtushenko is third with 9.2.

Sportsperson of the Year: Seimone Augustus - by Eurobasket NewsLocked somewhere inside Seimone Augustus (6'2''-G-84, college: LSU) was the potential to be phenomenal. When she rededicated herself, she reached a new level of dominance and inspired the Lynx to their first WNBA championship.

It just didn't seem fair. Seimone Augustus had labored for five seasons to gild her credentials as one of the premier players in women's basketball, shining through the gloom of the woeful Lynx and winning a gold medal in the 2008 Olympic Games. So why, after two years of misfortune, should she have to rebuild her reputation from scratch?

A knee injury in 2009 ruined her WNBA season and made Augustus wonder whether she would ever return to top form. Others raised similar questions a year later, when abdominal surgery slowed her considerably. She worried, she fussed, she stewed. And then, as Christmas approached last winter, she sat down for a difficult conversation that changed everything.

Doneeka Hodges-Lewis, Augustus' longtime friend and former LSU teammate, urged her to swap the self-pity for some serious introspection.

'She broke me down in tears and told me the truth,' Augustus said. 'I'm like, 'I've done so much in the league, why do I have to prove myself all over again?' She told me, 'Mone, it's been two years, and you really haven't played like yourself. ... You've got an opportunity here to start over and rebuild yourself, to put a new perspective in people's minds about who you really are. You can redefine yourself from this point on.''

Augustus didn't want to hear it. But the more she thought about her friend's advice -- and the prodding from others who saw her untapped potential -- she knew she needed to put aside her pride and get to work. The resulting dream season redefined Augustus in the most wonderful way possible: as the woman who lifted the Lynx to their first WNBA championship, won the trophy as the Finals' most valuable player and earned the title of Star Tribune Sportsperson of the Year.

Getting there required some retooling. Augustus, 27, committed herself to becoming an outstanding defensive player last season, adding a new dimension to her game. She lost 30 pounds. She stepped forth as a more assertive leader, taking charge in the Finals as she averaged 22 points per game -- including an epic 36-point performance in Game 2, when she carried her team to a come-from-behind victory that deflated rival Atlanta.

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, who took over in 2010, entered last season eager to see what a healthy Augustus could do. After challenging Augustus to seriously consider the legacy she wanted to create, Reeve witnessed the flowering of a player determined to discover how great she could be.

'There are 11 other coaches in this league who shook their heads and said, 'I can't believe what you did with Seimone,'' she recalled. 'My response was, it's what Seimone did. It's what she decided she wanted to do, because she had the drive, the want.'

Augustus takes particular satisfaction in earning a title with the Lynx. Despite the team's years of losing and instability, she remains intensely loyal to the club that made her the No. 1 pick in the 2006 draft. She is deepening her roots in Minnesota by buying a home here.

Already, Augustus said, she is hearing from Lynx fans coveting another WNBA championship in 2012. She believes her team has the potential to write another transformative chapter in its history, just as she did during a season made all the sweeter by the struggle.

'Once I had that conversation with Doneeka, everything rushed into me,' said Augustus, who is playing this winter with Spartak Moscow Region in Russia. 'Everything changed. I thought, 'All right. It is time for you to buckle down and start to be what people need you to be in this league.'

'I feel like everything is possible. If you put your mind to it and put in the work, you can make anything happen. Nothing is impossible any more for me.'

Transforming mind and body

Last summer, the Lynx completed the most successful season in the franchise's 13-year history. Their 27-7 record was the best regular-season mark in the WNBA, and their first-round triumph over San Antonio marked the first time they had won a playoff series.

Augustus got the parade she craved, as 15,000 people flooded downtown Minneapolis and mobbed the white convertible that carried her and fellow guard Lindsay Whalen. Though she recorded the lowest regular-season scoring average of her career -- 16.2 points per game -- Augustus' expanded skill set helped her team in other ways. She routinely provided lock-down defense on the league's best players, energized the Lynx with her ceaseless drive and demonstrated a knack for making plays when her team needed hem most.

The championship filled a nagging void for Augustus, who had long wrestled with the perception that she couldn't take a team to a trophy. She won dozens of individual accolades at LSU, but the Lady Tigers lost in the NCAA tournament semifinals in her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. That pattern became more pronounced with the Lynx; Augustus was named the 2006 WNBA rookie of the year and consistently placed among the league's top scorers, even as her team repeatedly missed the playoffs and finished below .500.

It pained Augustus to see opponents laughing at the Lynx and hear her own teammates anticipating blowouts even before tipoff. Her despair would grow much worse in 2009, when Augustus collapsed because of a torn ACL in her left knee only six games into the season. For the first time in her life, she faced a significant layoff from the game she lived for, with no guarantee she would return with her talents intact. To compound matters, her father, Seymore, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Her grueling rehabilitation confined Augustus to Minneapolis. Her dad couldn't travel, and her mother, Kim, needed to stay in their hometown of Baton Rouge, La., to care for Seymore. Augustus had prided herself on being an optimist, but she found herself tested in ways she had never foreseen.

'I had weak days, weak moments, where I felt like I didn't see any progress,' she said. 'You're thinking, 'When is my leg going to get stronger? When am I going to be able to jump, to run?' Once you get back on the court and you're not as fast as you were, you can't jump as high as you did before, you do have a lot of doubt. You wonder, 'Will I get back to being the player I used to be?''

She heard plenty of skeptics betting against her. They grew louder in 2010, when Augustus landed in the emergency room in April because of severe pain from uterine fibroids that needed to be removed immediately.

After her abdominal surgery, she missed only nine games. Still, the lingering effects hampered Augustus through a summer that would be the least productive of her WNBA career. Reeve looked beyond the numbers to see a player who always gave whatever she could, whose resilience, fortitude and willingness hinted at what she might achieve once her health was restored.

During their final meeting of 2010, the coach challenged Augustus to expand her thinking beyond a year-to-year frame. With five WNBA seasons under her belt, Reeve told Augustus she had reached a tipping point in her career, a time when she could step forth as a great player or settle for merely being good.

'I think that allowed her to look inward, to think about what type of ownership she wanted to have over her legacy,' Reeve said. 'Was it going to be about everyone else doing the dirty work, or did she want to be in the thick of things, controlling her own destiny? Something clicked.'

Reeve was not the only one encouraging Augustus to push herself farther. Perennial All-Star Tamika Catchings, who played with Augustus in Turkey last winter, sent her a note telling her she was on the verge of becoming an 'unstoppable' player. Hodges-Lewis helped put her in the right frame of mind. Augustus' fiance, LaTaya Varner, confronted her with another hard truth -- she needed to lose weight -- and urged her to revamp her diet.

Augustus sought advice from Catchings, who is renowned for her defense, about sharpening her skills at that end of the floor. To Reeve's delight, Augustus returned to Minnesota lighter, fitter, quicker -- and ready to end any doubts, in her own mind and in others.

'I knew I needed to prove to myself, and prove to other people, that I could win,' Augustus said. 'I didn't recognize it, but everyone else around me recognized I was at that point in time where I needed to think about my legacy. I wanted to go out, work hard and get back on track.'

When Augustus showed up for training camp last spring, teammate Charde Houston was moved to tears by her transformation.

'Her determination was established long before she stepped foot in training camp,' Houston said. 'She made up her mind that she wanted to lead us. She wanted to put us on her shoulders and carry us.'

The pieces finally come together

Augustus also found inspiration in the promise the Lynx held for the 2011 season. No. 1 draft pick Maya Moore enhanced a roster already deep with talent and led by a coach with a champion's pedigree. Egos were shelved, friendships were formed, and the team became 'Los Lynx,' a tight group that enjoyed parties, movie nights, shopping and winning basketball games.

As the season progressed, Reeve said, it became obvious the Lynx wanted the ball in Augustus' hands at every critical juncture. She thrived inside that bull's-eye, leading her team in scoring in half of its games and drawing raves for her tireless defense. In two late-season games against San Antonio, she helped hold guard Becky Hammon -- one of the WNBA's most prolific scorers -- to one basket on 20 shots, while scoring 39 points herself.

By the time the Lynx reached the playoffs, Augustus' focus had become ferocious. She never had made it to postseason play, and the Lynx had been only twice, losing in the first round in 2003 and 2004. With a chance to shape the legacy of herself and her team, she poured body and soul into every game.

'I wasn't going to be smiling or joking or playing around,' she said. 'I didn't care about the pressure that was placed on me; I was going to do whatever it took to help my team win. This was what we'd been fighting for all season, what I'd been fighting for since I got into the league. I wasn't going to look back on this and regret anything.'

Augustus scored 65 points as the Lynx defeated first-round opponent San Antonio in three games, then opened a sweep of Phoenix in the Western Conference finals with a 21-point, seven-assist effort. In the WNBA Finals, against Atlanta and gifted rival Angel McCoughtry, she dug in even more. As the Lynx struggled in Game 2, with several players in foul trouble, injured or ineffective, Augustus calmly dumped in 11 of 14 shots and finished with 36 points, including 15 in the decisive fourth quarter.

That attitude transferred to her teammates, who fed off her passion.

'I think in the playoffs, she realized something that not everyone does,' Lynx center Taj McWilliams-Franklin said. 'This could be the last moment you have to play the sport you love. She grabbed that thought and held on to it and just played her heart out. When you do that, it inspires others.'

Augustus had predicted she would cry if the Lynx won the title, and she did. She shed far more tears that night, she said, than she did during her two years of strife.

On Jan. 1, Augustus will tuck all of that away and begin looking toward a new WNBA season, as well as the culmination of her European schedule. She hopes to make the U.S. team that will play in this summer's London Olympics; off the court, she will settle into her new Twin Cities home and begin planning a 2013 wedding.

With all of that looming in her future, Augustus' legacy remains a work in progress. She already has rebranded herself in the way she wanted most: as a champion, at last.

'Every moment up until last year helped build character and perseverance,' she said. 'It helped me redefine who I was and what I wanted to be. Now I know why I went through those hard times, to get to this point. And I've never felt better.